Fun And Effective 1v1 Soccer Drills For Kids

Soccer coaches often spend a lot of time on 1v1 soccer drills because 1v1 situations soccer very often in natural play. Drilling 1v1 situations in practice helps players to develop their individual skills and learn how to react when competing 1 on 1 with an opponent. Below you’ll find 10 fun 1v1 soccer drills for kids. Although these drills are suitable for youth soccer coaches, they can easily be adapted and used with older players.

10 Fun 1v1 Soccer Drills

1. The Numbers Game

In this fast-paced 1v1 drill, players will compete in a 1v1 game for possession of the ball while trying to score a goal. Players are divided into two groups and each player is given a number. Then, the coach calls out a number, and the corresponding player from each team then sprints onto the field, around cones, and begins competing for the ball that is played to them by the coach. Click the button below to see detailed instructions on how to set up this drill.

2. Goals From Chaos

The chaotic nature of this soccer drill simulates the pressure players will have when competing 1v1 in a real match situation. Players are divided into 4 groups and the first player from each group will play a 1v1 game with the player opposite them. So, there are two 1v1 games being played simultaneously. Players should try and dribble the ball around their opponent and score a goal. Click the button below for more detailed instructions on how to set up this drill.

3. The Gatekeeper Game

This next drill is a fun 1v1 game in which players will try and take the ball past the ‘gatekeepers’ to score points. Players are placed in pairs with one player being the attacker and one player being the defender (gatekeeper). Upon the coach’s whistle, players will try and dribble the ball around the gatekeepers and through as many gates as possible. Click the button below to see more detailed instructions on how to set up this drill.

4. 1v1 Madness

In this competitive 1v1 drill, players will attack 3 goals while trying to defend 3 goals. This drill is great for improving players’ decision-making skills in 1v1 situations. Players are divided into pairs and given one ball between the 2 players. Players will compete for possession of the ball while trying to score in their opponent’s goals, while defending their own. Click the button below to see more detailed instructions on how to set up this drill.

5. It’s A Knockout

This super fun 1v1 game is great for practicing competitive play and kids will be asking to play it again and again every practice. Players will be divided into four teams and will line up at the four corners of a grid. The coach will then play a ball into the center of the grid and one player from each team will compete 1v1v1v1 for possession of the ball and will then try and score in one of four goals. The player who is scored against is out, and the remaining players compete 1v1v1 in the next round. The process is repeated until only one player is remaining. Click the button below for more detailed instructions on how to set up this drill.

6. FA Cup Soccer Game

This drill is a fun 1v1 ladder game in which players will be constantly on the move trying to beat their opponents to move up the ladder and compete for the ‘FA Cup’ at ‘Wembley’. Players are placed in pairs and occupy 1 of 5 grids. Players will then compete 1 on 1 and the winning player moves up the ladder, and the losing player moves down the ladder. The player who makes it all the way to the top of the ladder and wins is crowned the FA Cup champion. Click the button below for more detailed instructions on how to set up this super fun 1v1 drill.

7. 1,2,3 Challenge

This drill is a fun 1v1 shooting drill which is great for practicing turning with the ball, escaping pressure, and shooting on goal. Players will be divided into two teams and assigned a number each. The coach then serves a ball onto the field and calls out a number. At which point, the corresponding number players from each team rush onto the field and compete 1 on 1 to gain possession of the ball and shoot on goal. Click the button below to see more detailed instructions on how to set up this drill.

8. Get Goal Side

This fun drill is a 1v1 defensive drill that highlights the importance of defenders getting goal-side when an attacker is advancing. Players will be divided into two teams. Upon hearing the coach’s whistle, on player from the attacking team will quickly dribble the ball towards the goal. At which point, one player from the defending team will rush to get goal-side to defend the attack. Click the button below to see more detailed instructions on how to set up this drill.

9. Attack And Score

This drill is a fun 1v1 attacking drill in which players must take the ball around a defender and try and get a shot on goal and score. This drill is great for improving players’ attacking, dribbling, and shooting skills. Players will work in lanes with one player acting as the attacker, one player attacking as the defender, and one player acting as the goalkeeper. After the attacker tries to dribble around the defender and shoot, all players rotate positions. Click the button below to see more detailed instructions on how to set up this drill.

10. In The Zone

This 1v1 shooting drill is great for coaching players how to attack and defend in 1v1 situations. Players are divided into two groups, an attacking group and a defending group. Upon hearing the coach’s whistle, the attacking player advances while the defending player rushes onto the field to stop him/her. The attacker should try and dribble the ball around the defender and score in one of two goals. Click the button below to see more detailed instructions on how to set up this drill.

I hope your players enjoying playing these 1v1 soccer drills. For more ideas for your next coaching session, check out all our free soccer drills here.