Now the defender doesn’t chase. They’re set. This teaches the attacker to read where the defender is set and go the opposite way. Speed and timing matter more than flashy moves.
What you need: 1 soccer ball, 3 cones. One cone marks the defender’s position.
Setup: Defender stands at a cone. Dribbler starts 15 feet away with the ball. Goal line is 10 feet past the defender.
How to run it:
- Dribbler accelerates toward the defender using Touch, Look, Push, Go.
- At 3 feet away, the dribbler plants their outside foot and cuts the ball to the opposite side of the defender.
- Dribbler explodes past the defender toward the goal line.
- If the dribbler gets past, they’ve won. If the defender pokes the ball away, drill ends.
- 4 attempts per player, then switch.
What to watch: Do they commit to the cut or hesitate? Hesitation gives the defender time to react.
If they’re struggling: Move the starting point closer to 10 feet. Slow the defender down by having them stand still without reaching.
If they’ve got it: Defender can now move to pressure. Dribbler has to read the movement and adjust.