2v2 Attacking and Defending

Attackers

• Take the space – If the player has space with the ball, they should dribble into it
• Decision making – is there a teammate in a good position?

Defense

• Pressure – the closest player goes to the ball
• Cover – the second closest player should cut off the pass or be ready to pressure if the dribble beats the first player

2 attackers go to the opposite end line in a 2v2.

• Attackers attempt to dribble to find an opportunity to get to the end line.
• Defenders need to work together to pressure and cover, win the ball, and go to the opposite end line.
• If the ball goes out, the players rejoin the line. If the attacker scores, they get a point.

Give them 2-3 minutes to get enough reps in, but they will tire quickly, so be mindful. Switch teams around at the end of the 2-3 minutes and let the attackers defend and vice versa. After that, you can switch groups between zones.

• 10x15yd zones.
• 6-7 players to each zone – divided equally or 3 at one end, 4 at the other.
• Balls at one end between a pair.

The 2v2 is an excellent progression and representation of a full game. It has all 4 moments of the game – attacking, defending, and transition between attacking>defending and defending>attacking.

There is so much to be learned about the game within small-sided games like this, with more reps for players and more opportunities for success and learning.

• Make the grid smaller to make it easier for defenders and bigger to make it easier for the attacking team.
• Make the end-line zone smaller or to a goal.
• Introduce a points system between the attacking and defending teams: 2 points for successfully reaching the end-line. Defenders earn 1 point for dispossessing and 2 more for dribbling to the opposite end-line.