duels U13 soccer drills

duels U13 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the duels aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.

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Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

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

Animation: Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload
Mark out a zone of approximately 20x25m with 2 small goals on each width. Outside this playing area, set up a tic-tac-toe grid using cones. Form 2 teams of 5 players and position yourself outside the area with a source of balls by your side. 

The exercise starts with a tic-tac-toe (using pinnies or colored cones). Each player must place a pinnie in the square of their choice. The first team to make a line of 3 (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) will then gain a numerical advantage for the following opposition. As soon as the point is scored, 2 players from the winning team and 1 player from the losing team enter the playing area, resulting in a 2vs1. 

When a goal is scored, 1 player from each team enters the field to create a 3vs2. With the next goal, the same process leads to a 4vs3, then 5vs4, and finally ends with a 5vs5 in terms of the final opposition.

Count the number of goals scored for each team to establish a form of competition, then restart with the tic-tac-toe once the 5vs5 is completed. 

Note: if the intermediate oppositions (2vs1, 3vs2, etc.) are too long, you can add a time limit and bring in new players even if no team has scored.

The tic-tac-toe game adapted to soccer is a classic, and this variant with opposition is very popular with players!

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Duels

Discover our duels U13 drills

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

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

15 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
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-goal behind them....
Give-and-go, dribble, and shooting from different angles

Give-and-go, dribble, and shooting from different angles

15 min
3-18 joueurs
Technical
U13
Very simple to set up, this drill allows for practicing short passing combinations before a 1v1 with a defender and a quick shot against the goalkeeper....
1v1 with goalkeeper – back-to-goal duel and chasing defense

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

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
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 behind....
Small-sided 2v2 games in 3 "drawer" zones

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

15 min
4-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U13
2v2 game where the attacking team progresses zone by zone to eliminate two defenders positioned on different "levels" before finishing on mini-goals....
Finishing After a 1v1 with a Through Ball Using Different Trajectories

Finishing After a 1v1 with a Through Ball Using Different Trajectories

15 min
4-24 joueurs
Technical
U13
1v1 duel where the attacker receives a through ball and must pass through a gate before finishing against the goalkeeper....
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1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals

1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals

12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U13
High-intensity 1v1 duel with a directional layoff pass, goal choice, and immediate shooting....
Cognitive work with colored gate choice in 1v1

Cognitive work with colored gate choice in 1v1

10 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U13
Series of 1v1 duels where the attacker must read the defender's choice by going through the same colored gate before going to shoot on goal....
7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks

7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U13
Small-sided game in 7v7 with two wide areas dedicated to 1v1 before a cross and shooting in the box....
1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting

1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U13
Through repeated 1v1 duels, players must beat their defender using a prescribed skill move and quickly finish with a shot on goal....
Movement off the ball, passes into space, and 1v1 duels

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

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Tactical
U13
In this drill, players will have the opportunity to work on various aspects such as getting open, off-the-ball runs, and proper timing of passes. It can be used in different age groups....
Dynamic small-sided game in 2v1 on 3 mini goals

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

20 min
6-12 joueurs
Small-sided games
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 attacking players....
Dynamic 360° Opposition with 3 Teams of 3

Dynamic 360° Opposition with 3 Teams of 3

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Technical
U13
A small, highly dynamic 3v3 exercise that will help you work on game awareness in tight spaces and improve reactivity between each phase of play....
Escaping a 1v2 Under Pressure: Creativity and Quickness

Escaping a 1v2 Under Pressure: Creativity and Quickness

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U13
A small, dynamic exercise that will allow your players to express their creativity and react quickly under pressure....
4v3 back to goal with build-up play for the defenders

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

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
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 play in a 4v3 setup that is quite simple to implement....
Interception and forward ball control in 4v3

Interception and forward ball control in 4v3

20 min
9-16 joueurs
Tactical
U13
Receiving the ball forward, anticipating interceptions, and making runs into space: this comprehensive exercise is ideal in every aspect and will allow you to work on quick transitions between defensive and attacking phases....
Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)

Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U13
Creative exercise allowing you to work on attacking-defensive transitions with a double 2v1 and a combination of passes. Use the suggested variations to make the exercise closer to real match conditions....
1v1 Distance Duels on Mini Goals

1v1 Distance Duels on Mini Goals

15 min
6-14 joueurs
Technical
U13
Ideal drill in soccer school to work on speed, decision-making, and listening. Combine this with ball control and shooting practice, and you have a complete and fun drill for your players....
Dribbling in figure 8 then 1v1 duel

Dribbling in figure 8 then 1v1 duel

15 min
4-14 joueurs
Technical
U13
This exercise is quite simple to set up and will allow your players to work on dribbling and improve their concentration level, while fostering a healthy competitive spirit....
Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U13
A very fun game that combines problem-solving, decision-making, and attacking-defensive transitions. Highly appreciated by players and ideal for soccer schools!...
Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals

Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Tactical
U13
This high-intensity drill will allow your players to work on attacking sequences while emphasizing the importance of decision-making during the defensive phase....
Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2

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

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U13
High-energy small-sided game with lots of changes in pace, this drill is perfect for working on attacking and defensive transitions and concentration. Your players will definitely love it!...
2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles (variation)

2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles (variation)

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U13
Perfect exercise for your players to work on 2v2 situations and fundamental tactical principles: to draw a defender, support, and off-the-ball runs for the attackers - closing down the ball carrier and defensive cover for the defenders....
2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles

2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles

15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U13
Ideal drill to train your players on 2v2 and basic tactical principles (to draw a defender, support, and off-the-ball runs for attackers, and pressuring the ball carrier and defensive cover for defenders)....
Warm-up: 2v2 positioning work

Warm-up: 2v2 positioning work

15 min
6-12 joueurs
Warm-up
U13
Ideal warm-up drill for your players to improve in 2v2 situations, particularly on positioning in such scenarios....
1v1 and agility: support and change of direction

1v1 and agility: support and change of direction

12 min
6-12 joueurs
Technical
U13
Through this 1v1 drill, your players improve their footwork and change of direction at high speed. They also practice both offensive dribbling and defensive back-pedaling....
1v1 Duel Facing the Goal

1v1 Duel Facing the Goal

15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U13
Excellent 1v1 drill allowing your players to practice both the duel as the last defender (defensive) and the duel facing the goal to finish an action (offensive)....
Warm-up: Passing drills and 1v1 training

Warm-up: Passing drills and 1v1 training

20 min
16-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U13
Warm-up drill to work your players on short passing, direct play, and ball recovery in 1v1 situations....
Zonal Defense in 3v3: Marking, Cover, and Balance

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

15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U13
3v3 game drill to work on your players' tactical understanding of zonal marking (marking, defensive cover, and balance)....
Drop-off and ball control

Drop-off and ball control

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U13
Ideal exercise to practice the back-pedal technique (defense) and dribbling (attack) with a point system to instill a good competitive spirit....
Protecting a Defensive Zone

Protecting a Defensive Zone

15 min
8-12 joueurs
Tactical
U13
By placing your players in 1v1 situations within a defined space, the defenders work on defensive cover while the attackers practice dribbling....
Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball

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

12 min
12-14 joueurs
Conditioning
U13
Fun exercise ideal for working on motor skills: footwork, balance, and body control....
Working on Duels: Offensive and Defensive Techniques (Version 3)

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

12 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U13
Ideal exercise for practicing duel techniques: dribbling and acceleration with the ball (offensive); backpedaling and positioning of the attacker (defensive)...
Working on Duels: Offensive and Defensive Techniques (Version 2)

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

12 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U13
Ideal exercise for practicing 1v1 techniques: dribbling and acceleration with the ball (offensive); backpedaling and positioning of the attacker (defensive)...
Working on Duels: Offensive and Defensive Techniques (Version 1)

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

12 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U13
Ideal exercise for practicing duel techniques: dribbling and accelerating with the ball (offensive); backpedaling and positioning the attacker (defensive)...
1v1 Duel and Wing Play

1v1 Duel and Wing Play

20 min
10-14 joueurs
Technical
U13
Excellent exercise for practicing 1v1 duels on the flanks with an attacker’s feint and shooting situation....
1v1 Duel with Chasing Defender

1v1 Duel with Chasing Defender

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U13
By giving a slight disadvantage to the defenders, this 1v1 drill helps work on both ball control at full speed for the attacker and delayed defensive situations for the defender....
1v1 Duel: Working on Footwork and Balance

1v1 Duel: Working on Footwork and Balance

12 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U13
1v1 Duel Exercise with Gate Passing: Ideal for working on footwork, balance, and defensive technique....
1v1 Duels and Defensive Positioning

1v1 Duels and Defensive Positioning

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U13
Exercise focused on defensive technique: how to effectively defend when positioned against an attacker in a 1v1? Numerous repetitions to enhance learning....

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