Two versus One (Plus One) Transition Game
The give and go pass is one of the most effective methods of beating a defender in a two-versus-one situation. If both attacking players fulfill their responsibilities the play is virtually unstoppable. For that reason you will see it used frequently even at the highest levels of play. The following drill can improve the timing and execution of the give and go pass.
Number of Players: Four; two teams of two players each
Objectives: To develop the ability to successfully execute the give-and-go (wall) pass to beat an opponent; to improve ability to play in tight spaces.
Organization: Form teams of two players each. Use markers to outline a rectangular area of 15 by 20 yards. Two teams position within the field area. One team has possession of the ball to begin. Use cones to represent a four-yard wide goal centered on each endline.
Procedure: The game begins with a kickoff from the center of the area. Teams compete two versus two. Each team defends a goal and can score by kicking the ball through the opponent's goal. The team with possession attacks with both players; the defending team positions with one player in goal and the other as a single defender. Change of possession occurs when the defender steals the ball, the ball goes out of the field area last touched by an attacker, the goalkeeper makes a save, or a goal is scored. When the defender steals the ball he or she must pass it back to the goalkeeper. Once the keeper has possession of the ball, either from a backpass or after making a save, both players immediately switch to the attack and attempt to score in the opponent's goal. One player on the team that lost possession immediately sprints back to the goal to play as the keeper; his or her teammate positions as a single defender. Play is continuous as each team attacks with two players and defends with one player and a goalkeeper, thus creating a series of two versus one (2 v 1) situations. Teammates alternate turns playing as the goalkeeper. Award 1 point for a goal scored, and 1 additional point for each time the attacking team successfully executes a give-and-go pass. The team scoring the most points wins. Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Coaching Tips: Encourage immediate transition from attack to defense, and vice versa. Emphasize use of the give-and-go pass to beat the defender, although players are free to score in any manner possible. The player on the ball should commit the defender by dribbling directly at goal and then release his or her pass as the defender closes to tackle. For variation, divide the entire team into pairs and play a "two-versus-one (plus one)" round robin tournament. |
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