Shepherding Lane
1v1 defending with one instruction — don't win it, shepherd it: sideways-on, arm's length, and the attacker shown outside every time.
Step 1 of 3·Sideways on, low stance, arm's length
Set-up
15 x 30 corridor split by a cone line: inside lane (toward a mini goal) and outside lane (toward the touchline). Attacker with a ball at one end, defender at the other, a mini goal at the far end of the inside lane only.
By age group
- U7-U8
- Defender's shadow games: tag the attacker's hip, not the ball.
Run it in order
- 1
Attacker tries to reach the mini goal — the inside lane is the fast route.
- 2
Defender may NOT tackle: only delay and steer.
- 3
Defender succeeds by forcing the attacker into the outside lane for the full length.
- 4
Swap roles every run; two runs each per round.
Coaching points
Your job isn't the ball — it's the lane.
Sideways on, low stance, arm's length — close enough to steer, not to dive.
Show him outside: your body position is the signpost.
Patience wins — the touchline is your second defender.
Progressions
- Defender may win the ball once the attacker enters the last five yards.
- Second attacker arrives as a support option — defender must split them.
Make it easier
- Corridor widened and the mini goal removed.
More defending
All drills- 3 channels
1v1 Defending Channels
Attacker against defender in narrow lanes — defenders learn to jockey, delay and win the ball on their terms instead of diving in.
6+ players 12 minDevelopmentDefendingU9-U10U11-U12 - Half pitch
2v2 Recovering Defenders
Two defenders start at the goal and recover out as two attackers break — the sprint, the angle of recovery and the decision to show inside or outside, at real speed.
6+ players 15 minAdvancedDefendingU13-U14U15-U16 - Half pitch
3v2 Defending the Overload
Three attackers break against two defenders and a goalkeeper — defenders learn to delay the ball, cover the dangerous pass and force the game into the wide, safe areas.
7+ players 15 minAdvancedDefendingU13-U14U15-U16