What is jockeying in soccer?

Staying in front of the attacker at arm’s length, side on and moving backward with them, without diving in. It buys time for teammates to get back.

When should a defender tackle?

When the attacker’s touch takes the ball too far from their foot, or when they are pinned against the side line. Until then, be patient.

Which way should the defender show the attacker?

Usually toward the nearest side line and away from the goal, or toward a covering teammate. In this drill, pick a side and stick to it.

1v1 defending soccer drill

In this 1v1 defending drill, a defender passes to an attacker across a narrow channel, closes them down and tries to stop them dribbling over the line behind. It trains the approach to the ball: fast at first, then slow, low and side on, steering the attacker to one side.

Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.

1v1 defending: setup diagram

The defender passes from the top of the channel to the attacker at the bottom, then runs to close them down and stops side on a few yards away, showing the attacker toward the left side line. Gold: attackers. Dark green: defenders. Solid arrow: pass. Dashed arrow: run. Wavy arrow: dribble. Open this diagram as a picture.

At a glance

Detail	For this drill
Ages	U8 to U12 (ages 7 to 12)
Players	Groups of 4 per channel
Space	10 x 20 yd (9 x 18 m)
Equipment	One ball and 6 cones per channel
Time	10 to 12 minutes
Skill	1v1 defending

Change the size of the area to fit your group: bigger makes it easier for the player with the ball, smaller makes it harder. Everyone who goes out comes straight back in, and nobody runs laps.

How to run it

Mark a channel 10 yards wide and 20 long. The defender starts on one end line with the ball, the attacker on the other.
The defender passes to the attacker and sprints out to close the space.
About three yards away the defender slows down with small steps, bends the knees and turns side on.
The defender steers the attacker toward one side line and tackles when the attacker’s touch is too big.
The attacker scores by dribbling over the defender’s end line. The defender scores by winning the ball or forcing it out. Swap jobs each turn.

Coaching points to say out loud

“Fast, then slow.”
“Side on, on your toes.”
“Show them to the line.”
“Wait for the big touch, then win it.”

Make it easier or harder

Easier
The attacker must walk at first, so the defender can practice the approach and the body shape.
Harder
Make the channel 15 yards wide. Or place a small goal behind the defender in one corner, the side they must protect.

Common mistakes

Running in at full speed and diving in. One touch from the attacker and the defender is beaten.
Standing square with flat feet, which makes it impossible to turn and run.
Watching the attacker’s body. Watch the ball.

Why it matters in a game

This is the first defender’s job whenever the other team has the ball. Our goal-side lesson says it in one line: move with the attacker while keeping yourself between the ball and your goal.

The lesson that teaches it: Stay Between the Ball and Goal.

Questions about 1v1 defending

What is jockeying in soccer?
Staying in front of the attacker at arm’s length, side on and moving backward with them, without diving in. It buys time for teammates to get back.
When should a defender tackle?
When the attacker’s touch takes the ball too far from their foot, or when they are pinned against the side line. Until then, be patient.
Which way should the defender show the attacker?
Usually toward the nearest side line and away from the goal, or toward a covering teammate. In this drill, pick a side and stick to it.

Lessons that teach this idea

Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.

Play the lesson: Stay Between the Ball and Goal