Free practice Numbers Drills · Finishing & Attacking · Defending
Dortmund React & 1v1
Watch this drill in the libraryPractice description
Aim
Improve reaction speed and attacking decisions when a change of direction triggers a recovery chase.
How it works
The attacker chooses when to leave a passing exchange and collect a new ball. The defender must take the opposite route, creating a race to influence the finish against the goalkeeper.
• The attacker and defender pass the ball back and forth.
• At any moment, the attacker turns left or right and runs through a gate.
• The attacker collects a ball and attacks the goalkeeper.
• The defender immediately sprints through the opposite gate before recovering towards the attack.
• Play out the finish, with the attacker using the head start and the defender trying to arrive in time to challenge.
Improve reaction speed and attacking decisions when a change of direction triggers a recovery chase.
How it works
The attacker chooses when to leave a passing exchange and collect a new ball. The defender must take the opposite route, creating a race to influence the finish against the goalkeeper.
• The attacker and defender pass the ball back and forth.
• At any moment, the attacker turns left or right and runs through a gate.
• The attacker collects a ball and attacks the goalkeeper.
• The defender immediately sprints through the opposite gate before recovering towards the attack.
• Play out the finish, with the attacker using the head start and the defender trying to arrive in time to challenge.
Coaching points
• Attacker Decision-Making: Encourage scanning and quick choice of which direction to spin and attack.
• First Touch and Control: Emphasise clean ball control when receiving through the gate to set up the 1v1 effectively.
• Defensive Recovery: Reinforce explosive sprinting, anticipation and correct body positioning to challenge the attacker.
• Finishing Execution: Coach composure and accuracy when finishing under pressure from the recovering defender.
• First Touch and Control: Emphasise clean ball control when receiving through the gate to set up the 1v1 effectively.
• Defensive Recovery: Reinforce explosive sprinting, anticipation and correct body positioning to challenge the attacker.
• Finishing Execution: Coach composure and accuracy when finishing under pressure from the recovering defender.
Progression 1
Time Limit to Score:
Introduce a 4–5 second limit for the attacker to finish after collecting the ball.
Focus: Increases tempo and forces faster decision-making.
Introduce a 4–5 second limit for the attacker to finish after collecting the ball.
Focus: Increases tempo and forces faster decision-making.
