A worked practice for your team
Choose a pass or carry in a 2v1
Read whether the defender blocks the carrier or the passing lane, then use the unprotected route.
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Check the problem
The carrier passes as soon as a teammate is nearby, even with a clear route forward, or dribbles directly toward a defender while the teammate is free. Watch the defender’s position before correcting the final action.
Set up the space and roles
Use two 12 × 16 m areas, four corner cones and one ball in each. Leave a clear 2 m buffer outside each area and 4 m between the two areas. Two attackers start facing the far end line; one defender begins about 4 m ahead. The defender protects space at walking pace and keeps at least 1 m from the carrier; only loose ground passes may be intercepted.
Keep the rotation clear
Player 3 defends in round one, 1 in round two and 2 in round three; the other two alternate starts. Repeat as 6, 4, 5 in the second trio. No player remains the defender for the whole block.
See the practice in three steps
Schematic views, not to scale. Player numbers match the roles below. Dark arrows show passes, dashed green arrows show movement and solid green arrows show carries. Use the written dimensions when marking your area.
1. Starting positions
2. The decision and movement
3. Game application
Your complete 30-minute plan
Briefing, planned role changes, water and reflection are included. Add rest or stop when needed; shorten active play rather than rushing a transition.
00:00–03:00 · 3 min
Check, explain and walk the layout
Show two pictures without a moving ball: defender near the carrier’s route, then defender between the attackers. Ask the carrier to point to the clear route. Both a carry and a pass can be useful.
03:00–08:00 · 5 min
Prepare the movement
Work with the defender standing still. The carrier and supporting attacker travel toward the end line, choosing the open route. Stop after a controlled crossing and walk back. Swap the starting ball carrier after every attempt.
08:00–17:00 · 9 min
Focused practice and role changes
The defender now walks to protect one route before the attackers start, then can adjust without closing the 1 m gap. Use three rounds of 2 minutes 40 seconds plus 20 seconds to change defender. Do not demand a fixed number of passes. If a defender intercepts, stop the attempt and reset rather than starting a chase in a narrow area.
17:00–19:00 · 2 min
Water and reset
Pause for water and check the playing area. Prepare the 20 × 25 m game area with a clear 2 m outside buffer, reusing the same cones. Extra rest takes priority; shorten the next playing block if needed.
19:00–28:00 · 9 min
Use it in a game
Join for 3v3 on the larger area. Score by carrying the ball under control across an end line or passing to a teammate who controls there. Play three 2 minute 40 second rounds with a 20 second pause. Observe whether a brief local 2v1 changes the carrier’s choice, while keeping ground-pass interceptions and no-contact defending.
28:00–30:00 · 2 min
Reflect and choose the next step
Ask why the carrier chose to pass or carry. A successful crossing from a lucky rebound does not show the choice was understood; repeat when the explanation and visible route do not agree.
Watch for a useful change
- Carrier looks at the defender before acting.
- Supporting attacker keeps a different angle.
- Choice uses the route the defender leaves open.
Make it easier
Keep the defender stationary and pause the picture before choosing.
When ready
Let the defender adjust earlier as the attackers approach, while retaining walking pace and a clear gap.
Ask why the carrier chose to pass or carry. A successful crossing from a lucky rebound does not show the choice was understood; repeat when the explanation and visible route do not agree.
Need a different group size or duration?
The worked example above uses the stated numbers. The related complete session has its own checked customizer, maps and rotations.
Open Fast or PatientCoaching principles and further reading
A numerical advantage offers choices; the carrier can use an open route instead of passing automatically.
Public sources reviewed 20 October 2026. Session Pitch created this worked example, timing, role instructions and diagrams; it is not a reproduction of the linked sessions. No FA or FIFA endorsement is implied. Live coaching effectiveness has not been evaluated.