Real California FC

I need an easy drill to use in the backyard. Any ideas?

As busy as most parents are today, a good drill often means one that can be set up quickly, doesn't require much equipment, and won't take too much time to explain. Of course, you'll also want to get moving for a little bit of exercise and you hope that the drill will be instructive and helpful for your child.

A good drill that only requires two people and offers your child the chance to practice offense and defense is the tried and true One v. One drill. There are many variations, but this simple drill can be done anywhere, from the backyard to the side of the road during a pit-stop on a road trip. No cones, whistles, goal nets, or fancy passes are necessary.

You and your child should line up about 20 yards apart facing one another. Decide who is the attacker (A) and who is the defender (D). D starts with the ball and will make a firm pass to A, and D should follow his pass and try to limit the space available for A to attack with. D should channel A, trying to limit forward movement, and should look for the right time to take the ball. (Show your child how to avoid LUNGING towards the ball when he/she is the defender; this move is often unsuccessful and typically results in a defender being beat easily and quickly). Play stops when A beats D, or when D gets the ball from A.

Variations to the drill include: using points to give the drill a 'game-like' feel, placing a time restriction on the attacker, using your non-dominant foot, and starting the game with an air ball rather than a pass on the ground.