2v1 Progression (Fijar) — for Younger Players
From the start of build-up to progression / from progression to finishing (fijar — pinning the defender)
Setup & rules
- Start with 2v1
- The attackers draw the defender and pass, or if the passing lane is cut, carry the ball with a dribble
- When a pass is played to the player waiting ahead, that player becomes the defender
- The attacker who didn't make the pass leaves the area and goes to the back of the line
- When the defender wins the ball, they pass to one of the waiting players
- In that case, the nearer attacker becomes the defender
- Note: you may also set an offside line
RULES: none in particular
TIME: 10–15 min
Key factors
- The ball carrier dribbles towards the defender
- Don't dribble in the direction of your supporting player
- Don't draw the defender in so far that the pass hits the defender's foot
- If the passing lane is cut, turn your body towards the supporting player so the defender has to think about the pass, and get past with a carrying dribble
- The supporting player doesn't come close to the ball carrier
Progressions
- Same structure, but add a goal and go all the way to a shot
- The basic key factors don't change; add more depending on the situation
- You can also start in front of goal and set it up as building up from a numerical advantage in the back line
- Again, the basic key factors don't change; add more as needed
Kazu's notes FROM THE COACH
It's a simple practice, so younger players can do it too. It's a numerical advantage from the start, but it involves simple decisions — what am I thinking about when I dribble, what do I do when the passing lane is cut — and the repetition is high, so you can train it like a drill. Adjust the area size according to how often the situation you want actually happens. Tools: tactical concept = fijar; support / technical actions = carrying dribble, passing.
Use this drill in your own session
Download it and open it in TRAINING DESIGNER — a free drill designer and session planner in your browser. Edit the diagram, change the numbers, add it to a session, and export as PDF, GIF or video.
In the app: menu → “Import external data” → choose the downloaded file. No sign-up needed. The original Japanese article: junior-soccer.college.One idea a week from Japanese youth football
A free weekly essay on how kids actually learn the game — complexity, the ecological approach, and what 30 years on Japanese grassroots pitches taught me.
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