Great Attacking Skills

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Great Attacking Skills is a soccer attacking drill for U11 to U16 teams built on two adjacent grids and a constantly shifting overload. Two attackers hold the ball against one defender, then switch play to a teammate isolated 1v1 next door, with the passer following across to recreate the 2v1. Players learn to value possession, recognize the moment to switch, and support the pass with a run, which is the engine of good attacking play.

Browse the full attacking drills library for more like this, or explore every soccer drill for U14 players.

Setup

• Mark two 10×10 yard grids side by side, sharing one boundary.
• Use five players per setup: three attackers and two defenders in alternate jerseys.
• Start two attackers and one defender in the first grid.
• Start one attacker and one defender in the adjacent grid.
• The attackers in the 2v1 grid begin with the ball.

How It Works

1. The two attackers keep the ball away from the single defender in their grid.
2. Meanwhile, the lone attacker next door works to shake free of their marker.
3. When the moment is right, an attacker passes across into the 1v1 grid.
4. The passer follows the ball into that grid, creating a fresh 2v1 there.
5. The pattern repeats back and forth between the grids.
6. If a defender wins the ball, the two defenders link up and try to keep possession from the attackers.

Coaching Points

• Hold the standard on passing, receiving, and shielding; the overload only helps if the basics are clean.
• The free attacker must keep working to create separation before the switch arrives.
• Time the switch pass for when the receiving attacker is genuinely free, not just hopeful.
• The follow-in run should be immediate; a slow arrival wastes the new overload.

Variations

• Enlarge both grids and add players to play 3v2 alongside 2v2.
• Scale up again to 4v3 and 3v3 for older squads.
• Award a point for every five completed passes to reward patient possession.