⚽ Dribbling · 1V1
Winger vs Full-Back
The wide player taking on a full-back is one of the defining moments of any football match.
Winger vs Full-Back — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Holding ball on outside of foot as defender approaches
◆Why this drill works
The wide player taking on a full-back is one of the defining moments of any football match. The technique: hold ball with outside of foot, show the defender the ball, then accelerate past with an explosive first step. This drill gives wingers 15+ repetitions of the full technique in 15 minutes.
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Mark two wide channels, 8m wide, 25m long, either side.
- Winger starts with ball at top of channel. Defender 2m ahead facing them.
- Winger dribbles forward, inviting the press. Defender closes at 70%. Winger picks the moment and drives past.
- After beating defender: deliver a cross or cut inside for a shot.
- Progress: defender at full pace. Both channels simultaneously.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls8
- Cones12
- Bibs8
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Holding ball on outside of foot as defender approaches
- The explosive first step away from the press
Correct when you see
- Turning back when pressed — wingers who turn back lose the advantage
- Cutting inside immediately without testing the outside first
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Marker Cones (50-pack) | Build dribbling channels. | Check price → |
| Value | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Close-control reps. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Agility Poles (set) | Weave and turn drills. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Winger vs Full-Back suitable for?
This drill suits U12–U16. 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 vs Full-Back?
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 vs Full-Back take?
Allow around 4 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 19 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.