Few moments in soccer are as exciting as a player taking on a defender and beating them. Players who can win 1v1s create chances, draw fouls, and break down organized defenses. It is one of the skills scouts notice first.
The mindset: be brave
The first step to winning 1v1s is being willing to try. Players who are afraid to lose the ball rarely attack defenders. Coaches should encourage taking players on in the attacking third, and accept that losing the ball sometimes is part of learning.
Principles of beating a defender
- Attack at speed. Defenders struggle against players running at them.
- Get the defender to commit. Make them shift their weight before you change direction.
- Change speed and direction. Slow down, then explode.
- Keep the ball close when you are near the defender, then push it into space once past.
- Protect the ball with your body on the way past.
Six essential moves
The step-over
Swing a foot around the ball without touching it, shift your weight, then push the ball the other way with the outside of the other foot. Classic and effective when used at speed.
The scissors
Similar to the step-over, but the foot swings from inside to outside across the front of the ball. Great for wingers.
The inside cut
Cut the ball sharply across your body with the inside of the foot to change direction. Simple and very effective.
The outside cut
Use the outside of the foot to cut away from a defender. Combine with a fake inside cut.
The drag back and turn
Pull the ball back with the sole and turn away from pressure. Useful when a defender closes quickly.
The body feint
Drop a shoulder and lean one way, then go the other. The simplest move, and often the most effective, because it costs no time.
When to use which move
- Defender standing square: a step-over or body feint to get them to commit.
- Defender running at you: a quick cut or drag back.
- Defender on your side: a burst of speed and shielding.
- Tight space: small touches and body feints.
- Open space ahead: push the ball past and accelerate.
1v1 drills
- Gate dribbling: dribble through small gates while a defender tries to stop you.
- Channel 1v1: a 10-by-20-yard channel, attack a small goal or end line.
- 2-touch attack: attacker must beat the defender within a limited number of touches.
- 1v1 to goal: finish after beating the defender. Read Finishing Like Mbappé.
Practice the moves first, then use them
Learn each move unopposed in your ball mastery routine, then use it against a passive defender, then in full-speed games. A move is only learned when it works in a match.
Train 1v1s with Pro Path
Pro Path's small-sided sessions at BASE Athletics create constant 1v1 moments in tight spaces, the perfect setting to build confidence attacking defenders. Ages 9 to 17. Reserve a spot.
