Tactical Series for the Player
Do you want to run the show out there on the pitch? Wait. Let me re-phrase that. You WILL run the show out there. Much better. I’m talking about you vs your defender. The classic mono y mono, the dual or if you want to be boring the 1v1. Of all my years playing and coaching, no one stands out more on the pitch than an athlete facing up a defender and going past them. It’s electrifying. Who wouldn’t want to be that player? Let’s dive in further shall we?
Tactical Series will present you with a question (20 total) and you have to honestly grade yourself 1-10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest). Check back daily to see your next and past assessment questions.
3. 1v1 SKILLS
Help from the sidelines: Are you prepared, able and willing to try and go past your direct opponent? Can you juke them with a move or turn?
Former Arsenal FC boss from 1996 to 2018 Arsene Wenger once said “be good everywhere, but great somewhere.” What’s that mean? If we put that into context for the purpose of this series of assessment questions I think he means be good at the position you play with the responsibility given to you, but be GREAT (unstoppable) at 1v1.
Listen, it doesn’t matter what position you play on the field. You MUST have the ability to dribble past your direct opponent. There are too many benefits to list, but let’s name a few for learning sake.
- The most dangerous space on the field is BEHIND your direct opponent.
- You’re isolated 1v1 around the 18 yard box which means beat your man to score or set up your teammate for a tap in.
- Don’t get caught dribbling out of the back or the result could lead to big trouble UNLESS you know you can beat your man either inside or outside.
- You always want the ball. No matter the situation or time in the game, the best players always want the ball. Your team depends on you to make a play. It starts with 1v1 skills.
- Entertainment. Playing a sport is pure entertainment for the spectators. From the first whistle to the final whistle show us what you’ve got. Make them stay with your flashy 1v1 skills.
1v1 isn’t just a foot skill. It’s a mentality. Be confident with the ball at your feet and when the opportunity comes for a 1v1, put them in a pretzel and RUN THE SHOW.
1v1 Skills Action:
Comment below or on our team’s twitter page @soccerwithcoach with your score. Show us where you’re at and get into Coach Jeff’s starting XI.
