2v1 Defending: Pressure The Ball

Technical Point – Cover Along Line To Goal (Angle Of Support)

When two defenders face a single attacker they have the luxury of being able to cover each other.

The procedure for the nearest defender is the same as in a 1v1 situation – they must get across the direct route to goal and close down the ball carrier.

The second defender should cover his teammate along the same line – tracking the ball carrier as they move across – so that even if the attacker beats the nearer player, they cannot get a shot or a clear run on goal.

Technical Point – Stay Away (Distance Of Support)

A clever move by the attacker can always take them away from the defender, so it is important that the covering player doesn’t get to close – else the attacker might be able to go past both defenders with a single movement.

However, the covering player does need to be close enough that they can pressure the attacker immediately if the first defender is beaten. Therefore standing too far back is also dangerous. The best distance is usually just a couple of steps behind the first defender.

Technical Point – Recovery Run If Beaten

If the first defender is beaten, the covering player must immediately pressure the attacker to prevent a shot on goal.

The beaten defender should instantly try to recover and get back to a goalside position of the attacker. Because the second defender will take up a pressuring role, the first defender should move into a cover position.

By repeatedly making strong recovery runs the defenders force the attacker to beat them time and again to create a goal-scoring chance. Usually the attacker will either rush and lose control or miss the target, or will get impatient and take a shot which can be blocked comfortably.

The principles of defending are applicable right across the pitch, but in front of our team’s own goal they must be employed in an even sharper manner. Practicing within small-sided games is the ideal way to introduce our players to the different situations of 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, 3v2 and 3v3 and the best tactics to deal with them.