d uels soccer drills

Joueurs

10-18

Thème

Continuation of 1v1 duels with back to goal and mini-goals on opposite ends

U10 U11 U12 U13

1v1 duel where the attacker receives the ball with their back to the defender, must shield the ball, then turn to attack the mini-...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

One-two pass, dribble, and shooting from different angles

U8 U9 U10 U11 U12 U13

Very simple to set up, this drill allows for practicing short passing combinations before a 1v1 with a defender and a quick shot a...

Durée

Joueurs

3-18

Thème

Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger

U14 U15 U16 U17

Defensive duel to recover the ball before immediately launching a winger in a counterattack....

Durée

Joueurs

4-24

Thème

1v1 with goalkeeper – back-to-goal duel and chasing defense

U10 U11 U12 U13

1v1 duel where the attacker starts with their back to the goal and must turn to shoot, while the defender protects their goal from...

Durée

Joueurs

4-16

Thème

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What are duels in soccer?

Duels are an essential component of soccer, to the point that they often determine the outcome of a match. The team that manages to win the majority of its duels will gain an advantage over its opponent.

It is important to constantly work on duels during your training sessions with dedicated exercises. Duels exercises are often integrated within possession games or 1v1 scenarios.

We can still distinguish different types of duels:

Ground duels in 1v1
Aerial duels in the game, which are often neglected during training sessions.
Aerial duels on set pieces, such as during a free kick or a corner.

Soccer is a contact sport, duels are therefore part of the landscape of the round ball and its component. This sport would not exist without these duels, which represent intense confrontations between several players seeking to take possession of the ball or control it.

Duels in soccer are therefore captivating face-offs that have a direct impact on the outcome of an action or a match. Let's decode the duel and how to perfect your team through targeted soccer training.

Description of duels in soccer

Duels in soccer can take several forms, ranging from aerial duels to close confrontations. Leading a duel and hoping to come out victorious requires several skills such as tactics, physical strength, agility, or game intelligence. Alongside this, determination and concentration must be linked to hope to win your duel in soccer.

Obviously, a duel is not limited to a struggle to control the ball. It also involves tactical confrontations such as tight marking, also known as “man marking” or anticipating a feint.

As mentioned earlier, it's not just physical strength that counts to win your duels in soccer.

How to work on duels in soccer?

To improve your players' skills in terms of duels, specific and varied training is necessary. Agility exercises and reactivity are an essential component of this preparation. By focusing on accelerations, changes of direction, and quick reactions, your team will strengthen its ability to win its duels and move forward on the field.

Moreover, regular practice of 1v1 is an excellent way to put your players in match situations. It also allows working on the competitive spirit, which must remain healthy, while developing the confidence and collective strength of your team.

Our advice on duels in soccer

The key to excelling in duels lies in game awareness and quick decision-making. Your players must anticipate their opponents' movements, analyze angles, and choose the right moment to engage. Then, maintaining an aggressive but fair-play attitude is essential to avoid fouls and cards while maximizing your effectiveness in duels.

Finally, it is also crucial for players to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses in duels. By identifying the aspects of their game that need improvement, they can focus on specific exercises aimed at strengthening these areas and becoming more complete competitors on the field. For example, if you watch a player like Nemanja Matic with Olympique Lyonnais, you will see that he constantly anticipates his lack of speed by taking a defensive step ahead.

What training exercises to implement to work on duels?

Here are some exercises you can implement to work on duels:

Aerial duel exercises: divide your players into teams and organize simulated aerial confrontations. Train them to anticipate the trajectory of the ball and to gain the ideal position to win it;
Recovery exercises: create game situations where your players must compete to recover the ball after a clearance or a pass. Encourage them to use their bodies intelligently to shield the ball while putting pressure on their opponent;
1v1 duel exercises: organize individual duels where your players must compete for ball control in a confined space. This will allow working on strength, balance, and technique in realistic game situations.

In summary, duels in soccer combine several skills to work on in training such as agility, tactics, and physicality. By implementing varied exercises, your team will increase its chances of winning its duels and creating dangerous situations afterward.

Small-sided 2v2 games in 3 "drawer" zones

U10 U11 U12 U13

2v2 game where the attacking team progresses zone by zone to eliminate two defenders positioned on different "levels" before finis...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Shooting after a 1v1 with a through ball using different trajectories

U10 U11 U12 U13

1v1 duel where the attacker receives a through ball and must pass through a gate before finishing against the goalkeeper....

Durée

Joueurs

4-24

Thème

1v1 Duels with Neutral Support and Quick Shooting on Close Goals

U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 U15

High-intensity 1v1 duel with a directional layoff, goal choice, and immediate shooting....

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support point in the final third

U14 U15 U16 U17

3v3 midfield build-up exercise with the requirement to find a target forward in the final third before being able to finish....

Durée

Joueurs

8-14

Thème

Cognitive work with colored gate choice in 1v1

U10 U11 U12 U13

Series of 1v1 duels where the attacker must read the defender's choice by going through the same colored gate before going to shoo...

Durée

10 min

Joueurs

5-20

Thème

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7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks

U10 U11 U12 U13

Small-sided game in 7v7 with two wide areas dedicated to 1v1 before a cross and shooting in the box....

Durée

Joueurs

14-16

Thème

1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting

U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 U15

1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting...

Durée

Joueurs

4-16

Thème

High-intensity 1v1 mini-tournament (promotion-relegation)

U14 U15 U16 U17

1v1 tournament in a promotion-relegation format with 4 fields featuring different rules to enhance intensity, creativity, and the ...

Durée

16 min

Joueurs

Thème

Physical

Drill: Dribbling and 1v1 Duels with Direct Opponent

U14 U15 U16 U17

Ideal for working on ball control and dribbling under pressure, this circuit will allow your players to express their creativity w...

Durée

Joueurs

8-24

Thème

1v1 Duels with Shooting and Use of Support

U8 U9 U10 U11

A very simple duel exercise to set up, which allows your players, from a young age, to better understand the opponent's runs while...

Durée

Joueurs

5-15

Thème

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Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5

U16 U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Used during a training session at Manchester City, this high-intensity drill is ideal for working on the attacking-defensive trans...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Movement off the ball, passes into space, and 1v1 duels

U12 U13 U14 U15

In this drill, players will have the opportunity to work on various aspects such as getting open, off-the-ball runs, and proper ti...

Durée

Joueurs

6-18

Thème

Dynamic small-sided game in 2v1 on 3 mini goals

U10 U11 U12 U13

Small 2v1 duel game in a reduced space that emphasizes movement work, whether it's the defender's positioning or the runs of the 2...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

1v1 Duels with Mini Goals Following a Passing Sequence

U14 U15 U16 U17

1v1 duel exercise with many possible variations that will call upon the cognitive qualities of your players....

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Duel Training by V. Del Bosque in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3

U16 U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Used by Vicente Del Bosque during a training session at Real Madrid, this drill is ideal for working on duels and the short passin...

Durée

30 min

Joueurs

18-24

Thème

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Dynamic 360° Opposition with 3 Teams of 3

U10 U11 U12 U13

A small, highly dynamic 3v3 exercise that will help you work on game awareness in tight spaces and improve reactivity between each...

Durée

Joueurs

9-18

Thème

11v11 opposition with 2v1 scenarios on the wings

U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Exercise used by the Spanish national team, it will help your players get accustomed to using width while presenting them with a s...

Durée

Joueurs

20-22

Thème

Defensive recovery activity in 2v2

U7 U8 U9 U10 U11

To be used in soccer school, and particularly with younger players, this drill will help work on 2v2 duels with a temporary numeri...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Escaping a 1v2 Under Pressure: Creativity and Quickness

U12 U13 U14 U15

A small, dynamic exercise that will allow your players to express their creativity and react quickly under pressure....

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

4v3 back to goal with build-up play for the defenders

U10 U11 U12 U13

Ideal exercise for a soccer school, it will allow your players to work on playing with their back to the goal as well as build-up ...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

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1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes

U14 U15 U16 U17

This very intense drill focuses on 1v1 duels and quick decision-making. Your players should enjoy it!...

Durée

Joueurs

12-20

Thème

Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery

U14 U15 U16 U17

Simple exercise to set up, but it allows you to work on many aspects, from decision-making to shooting, including the trajectory o...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back

U14 U15 U16 U17

Thanks to this 2v1 exercise with various progressions, you will be able to train your defenders with their backs to the goal, prog...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Ball Control with the “River and Its Crocodiles” in Soccer School

U6 U7 U8 U9

A fun game ideal for younger players, this exercise will help your players work on dribbling as well as various cognitive aspects ...

Durée

Joueurs

8-12

Thème

Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1

U14 U15 U16 U17

In this comprehensive drill, you will enable your players to work on several phases of play during a numerical advantage in 2v1 an...

Durée

Joueurs

8-18

Thème

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Interception and forward ball control in 4v3

U12 U13 U14 U15

Receiving the ball forward, anticipating interceptions, and making runs into space: this comprehensive exercise is ideal in every ...

Durée

Joueurs

9-16

Thème

The River Goalkeepers: Dribbling and Duels in Soccer School

U6 U7 U8 U9 U10 U11

Ideal exercise in soccer school to work on dribbling and familiarize players with duels in a fun way with the famous "river keeper...

Durée

Joueurs

5-20

Thème

Defensive work in pairs in a small area

U14 U15 U16 U17

This drill in the form of a 2v2 with support is ideal for working on two-player defense and positioning in tight spaces....

Durée

Joueurs

6-18

Thème

Circuit in groups of 3 with duels and shooting work

U14 U15 U16 U17

A highly dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on shooting with 1v1 duels on crosses. Ideal for U14-U15 but can be ap...

Durée

Joueurs

6-18

Thème

Exploiting a Numerical Advantage with 3v2 Duels

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Taken from a session with AS Roma, this drill allows you to work on the numerical advantage in a small area dynamically with 3v2 d...

Durée

18 min

Joueurs

16-20

Thème

Progressez grâce à nos exercices

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Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)

U12 U13 U14 U15 U16 U17

Creative exercise allowing you to work on attacking-defensive transitions with a double 2v1 and a combination of passes. Use the s...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

1v1 Distance Duels on Mini Goals

U9 U10 U11 U12 U13

Ideal exercise in soccer school to work on speed, decision-making, and listening. Combine this with ball control and shooting prac...

Durée

Joueurs

6-14

Thème

The arena: protecting your goal with defensive duels work

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

How to work on defensive duels? Here you will have the opportunity to tackle numerous defensive situations in 1v1 then 2v2 from di...

Durée

Joueurs

10-19

Thème

Goalkeeper distribution and 1v2 duels with defender chasing

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

This highly dynamic drill starts with a goalkeeper's distribution followed by a series of 1v2 duels with a defender in pursuit, po...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Speed Work and 1v1 Duels

U14 U15 U16 U17 U18 U19

This speed-agility drill with 1v1 duels and shooting on a full-size goal is ideal after a complete warm-up. You can add your perso...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Progressez grâce à nos exercices

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Agility in 1v1 with ball and colored signals

U14 U15 U16 U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

A small agility exercise that will engage your players' cognitive abilities while keeping a significant portion of the drill with ...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Physical

1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing

U15 U16 U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

On the agenda: 1v1 duels followed by 2v1 with a defender in pursuit. Quick decision-making will be crucial!...

Durée

Joueurs

12-24

Thème

Dribbling in figure 8 then 1v1 duel

U10 U11 U12 U13

This exercise is quite simple to set up and will allow your players to work on dribbling and improve their concentration level, wh...

Durée

Joueurs

4-14

Thème

3v3 with 4 supports and a central player

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

This 3v3 small-sided game with 4 corner support players will help you work on combinations in tight spaces. Remember to regularly ...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Agility and Shooting in a 2v2 Matchup

U18 U19 U20 Seniors

1v1 duels with a chasing player, 2v2 matchups, and shooting on a full-size goal are part of this varied and highly dynamic drill....

Durée

Joueurs

8-18

Thème

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1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

1v1 duels from different perspectives: first a 1v1, then a defensive transition to quickly move into a 2v1 on the large goal....

Durée

Joueurs

12-24

Thème

Double 2v1 following a passing combination

U14 U15 U16 U17

Intense and very interesting 2v1 exercise to work on offensive combinations. Consider offering progressions during the drill....

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Tic-tac-toe game and opposition with numerical advantage

U9 U10 U11 U12 U13

A very fun game that combines problem-solving, decision-making, and attacking-defensive transitions. Highly appreciated by players...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Tracking back in 1v1 situations with variations by Jurgen Klopp

U17 U18 U19 Seniors

Used in Dortmund, this drill, which allows for numerous variations, will require your players to work on defensive recovery in an ...

Durée

Joueurs

6-20

Thème

Zonal defense with a 3v3 in an expanded area

U14 U15 U16 U17

Excellent exercise to work on ball circulation to find a shooting angle. It will allow your players to multiply offensive combinat...

Durée

Joueurs

6-24

Thème

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Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals

U12 U13 U14 U15 U16

This high-intensity drill will allow your players to work on attacking sequences while emphasizing the importance of decision-maki...

Durée

Joueurs

8-24

Thème

Combine in a 2v1 to eliminate the direct opponent

U14 U15 U16 U17

This drill is ideal for working on direct elimination in match situations, while using sideways support and finishing near the edg...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2

U12 U13 U14 U15 U16 U17

High-energy small-sided game with lots of changes in pace, this drill is perfect for working on attacking and defensive transition...

Durée

Joueurs

8-24

Thème

2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles (variation)

U10 U11 U12 U13

Perfect exercise for your players to work on 2v2 situations and fundamental tactical principles: to draw a defender, support, and ...

Durée

Joueurs

12-18

Thème

Aerial duel, second ball, and dynamic play in 5v3

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Game-based exercise that will allow your players to work on recovering the second ball following an aerial duel, while keeping in ...

Durée

Joueurs

14-22

Thème

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2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles

U13 U14 U15 U16 U17

Ideal exercise to train your players on 2v2 and basic tactical principles (to draw a defender, support, and off-the-ball runs for ...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Warm-up: 2v2 positioning work

U12 U13 U14 U15

Ideal warm-up exercise for your players to improve in 2v2 situations, particularly on positioning in such scenarios....

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

1v1 and agility: support and change of direction

U12 U13 U14 U15

Through this 1v1 exercise, your players improve their footwork and change of direction at high speed. They also practice both offe...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

1v1 Duel Facing the Goal

U12 U13 U14 U15 U16 U17

Excellent 1v1 exercise allowing your players to practice both the duel as the last defender (defensive) and the duel facing the go...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Warm-up: Passing drills and 1v1 training

U12 U13 U14 U15 U16 U17

Warm-up exercise to work your players on short passing, direct play, and ball recovery in 1v1 situations....

Durée

Joueurs

16-18

Thème

Progressez grâce à nos exercices

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Zonal Defense in 3v3: Marking, Cover, and Balance

U13 U14 U15

3v3 game exercise to work on your players' tactical understanding of zonal marking (marking, defensive cover, and balance)....

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Defensive play training for the fullback

U15 U16 U17 U18 U19

Ideal exercise for training your fullbacks in defensive play on the wing and the sequence of defensive actions....

Durée

Joueurs

8-12

Thème

Defensive play on opponent's throw-in

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Ideal warm-up exercise to train your players on throw-ins, especially from a defensive perspective....

Durée

Joueurs

14-16

Thème

Working on Heading

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Ideal exercise for practicing headers and crosses with your players, with an increase in aerial duels....

Durée

Joueurs

4-8

Thème

Warm-up: Ground and Aerial Duel

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Ideal warm-up exercise to work on ground duels and aerial duels....

Durée

Joueurs

10-14

Thème

Progressez grâce à nos exercices

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Double 2v2 and Shooting on Full-Size Goal

U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Through a double 2v2, your players practice defensive recovery (defenders) as well as combinations and shooting (attackers)....

Durée

25 min

Joueurs

16-18

Thème

2v2 Situation and Shooting

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Ideal exercise for having your players practice shooting from a 2v2 situation....

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Drop-off and ball control

U11 U12 U13 U14 U15

Ideal exercise to practice the back-pedal technique (defense) and dribbling (attack) with a point system to instill a good competi...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Protecting a Defensive Zone

U11 U12 U13 U14 U15

By placing your players in 1v1 situations within a defined space, the defenders work on defensive cover while the attackers practi...

Durée

Joueurs

8-12

Thème

Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball

U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 U15

Fun exercise ideal for working on motor skills: footwork, balance, and body control....

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Physical

Progressez grâce à nos exercices

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Working on Duels: Offensive and Defensive Techniques (Version 3)

U11 U12 U13 U14 U15

Ideal exercise for practicing duel techniques: dribbling and acceleration with the ball (offensive); backpedaling and positioning ...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Working on Duels: Offensive and Defensive Techniques (Version 2)

U11 U12 U13 U14 U15

Ideal exercise for practicing 1v1 techniques: dribbling and acceleration with the ball (offensive); backpedaling and positioning o...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Working on Duels: Offensive and Defensive Techniques (Version 1)

U11 U12 U13 U14 U15

Ideal exercise for practicing duel techniques: dribbling and accelerating with the ball (offensive); backpedaling and positioning ...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

1v1 Duel and Wing Play

U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 U15

Excellent exercise for practicing 1v1 duels on the flanks with an attacker’s feint and shooting situation....

Durée

Joueurs

10-14

Thème

1v1 Duel with Chasing Defender

U10 U11 U12 U13 U14

By giving a slight disadvantage to the defenders, this 1v1 drill helps work on both ball control at full speed for the attacker an...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Progressez grâce à nos exercices

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1v1 Duel: Working on Footwork and Balance

U12 U13 U14 U15

1v1 Duel Exercise with Gate Passing: Ideal for working on footwork, balance, and defensive technique....

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

1v1 Duels and Defensive Positioning

U9 U10 U11 U12 U13

Exercise focused on defensive technique: how to effectively defend when positioned against an attacker in a 1v1? Numerous repetiti...

Durée

Joueurs

Thème

Shot then defensive transition in 1v1

U14 U15 U16 U17

The individual attacking-to-defensive transition is one of the most important aspects of modern soccer, yet it is often overlooked...

Durée

10 min

Joueurs

Thème

Defending with a Numerical Disadvantage

U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Excellent exercise to learn how to defend when outnumbered, where it is common for one or two defenders to find themselves at a nu...

Durée

Joueurs

10-14

Thème