2v1 Box Drill | Keeping the Ball and Reading the Game in the Central Zone

Overview

• 6 players (2 attackers, 1 defender, 1 secondary defender)
• A tight 20m x 25m playing area
• Played in the central zone (the box area through the middle)
• Works for every age group, U10 through U18

Objectives

• Nail down passing speed and the timing of your runs at the same time
• Sharpen how your players read the secondary defender’s (cover defender’s) position
• Build the ability to make the right call while keeping the ball
• Play forward toward goal without giving the ball away in the central zone

Setup

Set up a 2v1 plus a secondary defender in the central zone (the box through the middle). Your two attackers keep the ball while looking to play forward.

１）Mark out a 20m x 25m area and use the center line to define the central zone

２）Position your 2 attackers, 1 defender, and 1 secondary defender, and make each player’s job crystal clear

３）Start the ball with the attackers and have them link passes as they work forward

４）No touch limit here — let them play freely so the focus stays on quick decisions

５）Every moment, players decide whether to keep the ball or drive it toward goal

６）If the defender wins it or the attackers lose it, stop play and reset