1v1 Win-and-Counter Gate — Regain and Escape
The defender wins the ball from the attacker and must immediately dribble through an escape gate behind their starting position. The drill builds the habit of transitioning from defence to attack the instant possession is regained, rather than stopping or clearing.
Save time planning sessions with FUTNIVO.
Organization
Set up a 15×12m area with 2 escape gates behind the defender. Attacker starts with the ball, defender in front. Defender must win the ball, then immediately dribble through one of the escape gates behind their starting position. If attacker keeps the ball for 10 seconds, they score. 60s rounds, swap roles, 4 rounds.
Coaching Points
1. Defend aggressively — close the attacker quickly, don't give them space. 2. When you win the ball, don't pause — first touch is forward. 3. Scan for the escape gate before you win the ball — know where to go. 4. Accelerate through the gate — don't slow down after winning. 5. If the attacker recovers, protect the ball with the body. 6. The transition is the key — win, turn, go, in one motion.
Progressions
- Add a second attacker — defender must win and counter under pressure (2v1 counter).
- Move the gates further away — longer counter dribble.
Regressions
- Attacker is passive — doesn't try to keep the ball, just lets the defender win it.
- Use one gate only — no decision after winning.
Related Soccer Drills
Explore more FUTNIVO coaching tools
Plan full training sessions, build lineups and create your own drills.
Your privacy matters
FUTNIVO uses optional analytics cookies to understand how the website is used and improve our coaching tools. Necessary cookies required for the website to work are always enabled.