2v2 pressure and cover

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Soccer drill · Under-10 and up

Two attackers try to dribble over the end line of a channel and two defenders try to stop them. The defender nearest the ball presses; the other covers on the diagonal behind. Every time the ball moves, they swap jobs. Pressure and cover is the start of all team defending, and two players is the smallest group it can be taught to.

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Time: 15 minutes
Players: 4 at a time: 2 attackers and 2 defenders, with pairs waiting
Equipment: 4 cones for the channel
1 mini goal
Balls at the attackers' end
Bibs for the defenders

Setup

Mark a channel 20 yards wide and 25 yards long with four cones. Put a mini goal in the middle of the attackers' end line.
Two defenders start on the far end line, two attackers with a ball at the near end.
The attackers score by dribbling over the far end line and stopping the ball on it.
The defenders score by winning the ball and passing it into the mini goal.
Play until a score or the ball goes out, then the next pairs go. Swap roles every few rounds.

Coaching points

First defender: close the ball down quickly while it travels, then slow down for the last few yards, side-on and low, so you are not beaten by one touch.
Show the attacker one way. Stand slightly on their inside shoulder and send them towards the side of the channel, where there is less space and your cover can see them coming.
Second defender: cover on the diagonal behind the first, about four or five yards away. Close enough to step in if they are beaten, far enough to see both attackers.
Talk. The covering defender tells the first one which way to show and when to go in.
When the ball is passed, swap: the new first defender presses, the old one drops off to cover.

On the run sheet: First defender: close it down fast, then slow and side-on. Second defender: cover on the diagonal, close enough to help

Progressions

Make it 3v2 so the defenders have to choose, and 3v3 to add a third job, balance.
The attackers score through either of two gates on the end line, so the defenders must show them away from one.
Give the attackers a time limit of eight seconds, so they have to attack the defenders.

How it runs

The attackers come forward with the ball, and the defender nearest it goes to meet them. They sprint while the ball is moving and slow down as they arrive, side-on, showing the attacker towards the touchline. The second defender drops in on the diagonal behind, covering. In the animation the attacker passes across, and the two defenders swap jobs straight away. The one covering steps up to press the new ball carrier, and the one who was pressing drops off to cover behind. The attacker tries to go down the side, and the new first defender stays goal-side and slides with them.

Why two against two

Every team defending idea starts with two players: one pressing the ball, one covering. With four or more it is easy to hide; with two, both defenders are involved in every second, and the swap on every pass makes them think as a pair. If the defenders win it they have a target to counter into, which keeps them honest about winning the ball and not just stopping the attack.

The mistakes to watch for

Both defenders running at the ball. Covering square instead of on the diagonal, so one pass beats them both. Diving in, rather than staying on their feet and waiting for a heavy touch.

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Page updated 13 November 2026 · Soccer play designer · All drills