Mirroring teaches the defender to react to the attacker’s movement instead of guessing. If the attacker moves left, the defender moves left. Simple copy-cat.
What you need: 1 soccer ball, 2 kids, 20 feet of space.
Setup: Attacker has the ball. Defender is 5 feet away, facing the attacker directly.
How to run it:
- Attacker dribbles left using Touch, Look, Push, Go. Small touches to the left.
- Defender mirrors the movement, stepping left at the same pace.
- Attacker dribbles right. Defender mirrors right.
- Attacker pushes the ball forward. Defender doesn’t tackle, just stays between them and goal.
- 30 seconds of continuous mirroring, then switch roles.
What to watch: Does the defender keep facing the attacker? Or turn their hips away?
If they’re struggling: Slow the attacker’s movement. Let the defender react without rushing.
If they’ve got it: Attacker moves faster. Defender has to work to keep up.