2v1 to goal soccer drill

In 2v1 to goal, two attackers start with the ball and try to score past one defender, and a goalkeeper from U10. It trains the main decision of attacking with an extra player: dribble at the defender, then pass if they come to you or keep going if they do not.

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.

2v1 to goal: setup diagram

2v1 to goal setupSetup diagram of an area 20 yards wide and 25 yards long, seen from above, with a cone on each corner. Gold dots are attackers or players with a ball and dark green dots are defenders; white bars are goals, solid arrows are passes, dashed arrows are runs without the ball, wavy gold arrows are dribbles. Two attackers start at the bottom with the ball. One dribbles at the single defender, who steps toward the ball, and the other attacker runs into the space beside them to receive a pass and shoot at the goal at the top.ABDGK20 x 25 yd (18 x 23 m)
Two attackers start at the bottom with the ball. One dribbles at the single defender, who steps toward the ball, and the other attacker runs into the space beside them to receive a pass and shoot at the goal at the top. Gold: attackers. Dark green: defenders. White bars: goals. Solid arrow: pass. Dashed arrow: run. Wavy arrow: dribble. Open this diagram as a picture.

At a glance

DetailFor this drill
AgesU8 to U12 (ages 7 to 12)
Players6 to 12, in groups of 3 plus a goalkeeper from U10
Space20 x 25 yd (18 x 23 m)
EquipmentOne goal or small goal; balls; cones; bibs
Time12 minutes
SkillShooting and finishing

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

  1. The defender starts 15 yards from goal and passes the ball out to the two attackers, then defends.
  2. The attacker with the ball dribbles straight at the defender, fast.
  3. The second attacker stays wide and a little ahead, but level with or behind the ball if your league plays offside.
  4. If the defender steps to the ball, pass. If the defender backs off or covers the pass, keep dribbling and shoot.
  5. If the defender wins the ball, they score by dribbling over the start line. Rotate after every turn: attackers become the next defenders.

Coaching points to say out loud

  • “Run at the defender.”
  • “Make them choose.”
  • “Pass late, in front of your teammate.”
  • “Shoot early when you are through.”

Make it easier or harder

  • Easier

    The defender starts farther away or must walk for the first three seconds.

  • Harder

    A second defender starts ten yards behind the attackers and chases, so the 2v1 lasts only a few seconds. Or the attack must finish within six seconds.

Common mistakes

  • Passing straight away, before the defender has committed. Now it is a 1v1 for the teammate.
  • The second attacker running level with the dribbler and close by, so one defender can guard both.
  • The pass played behind the runner, which stops the attack.

Why it matters in a game

Two against one happens on every counterattack and every time a fullback joins a winger. Our 9v9 lesson on the two-against-one teaches the same reading: watch whether the defender approaches the ball or stays with your teammate.

The lesson that teaches it: Two Against One: Carry or Pass.

Questions about 2v1 to goal

  • What is the rule of thumb in a 2v1?

    The player on the ball dribbles at the defender. If the defender comes to the ball, pass. If the defender stays with the teammate, keep going.

  • Where should the second attacker run?

    Wide enough that one defender cannot cover both players, and where the passer can see them. In leagues with offside, not past the defender before the pass.

  • What is the defender trying to do?

    Slow the attack down and wait for help, staying between the ball and the goal. Our lesson on delaying a 2v1 covers the defender’s side.

Lessons that teach this idea

Related drills and guides

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: Two Against One: Carry or Pass