HomeDrillsDribblingWinger 1v1 — Wide Channel
⚽ Dribbling

Winger 1v1 — Wide Channel

The wide player taking on a full-back is one of the defining moments of any match.

Total22 min AgeU12–U13 Players12 Setup3 min Run19 min Level
AWinger 1v1 — Wide Channel — full pitch view
🎯
The one cue that matters
Head up to see the space beyond the defender

Why this drill works

The wide player taking on a full-back is one of the defining moments of any match. The technique is specific: hold ball on outside of foot, show defender the ball to invite the press, then accelerate past with an explosive first step. This drill isolates that sequence in a realistic wide channel, gi

The drill in three phases

1Setup
A
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
A
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
A
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot

How to run it

  1. Mark two wide channels on either side, 8m wide, 25m long.
  2. Winger starts with ball at top of channel. Defender starts 2m ahead facing winger.
  3. Winger dribbles forward, inviting press. Defender closes at 70%. Winger identifies decisive moment and drives past.
  4. After winger passes defender: deliver cross or cut inside for shot. Finish the action.
  5. Progress: defender at full pace. Both channels run simultaneously.

Equipment checklist

  • Balls6
  • Cones12
  • Bibs8

Coaching points

Praise when you see

  • Head up to see the space beyond the defender
  • Protecting the ball with the body when challenged

Correct when you see

  • No change of pace after the move — the acceleration beats them
  • Head down, unaware of support or space around

Kit for this drill — top picks compared

PickProductBest for
Top pickMarker Cones (50-pack)Build dribbling channels.Check price →
ValueTraining Footballs (6-pack)Close-control reps.Check price →
UpgradeAgility Poles (set)Weave and turn drills.Check price →

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?Frequently asked questions

What age group is Winger 1v1 — Wide Channel suitable for?
This drill suits U12–U13. Keep it unopposed for younger players to build confidence; add a defender for older players to make it game-realistic.
How many players do I need for Winger 1v1 — Wide Channel?
This drill works well with around 12 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Winger 1v1 — Wide Channel take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 19 minutes to run it — about 22 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.