Practice Activities: One to Beat | One Layer Two | Distant Layers
Dizzy Miss Lizzy | Triangulation

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One to Beat

In this game, a dribbler must beat a defender and the Keeper in succession. It's great for attacker, defender, and Keeper. The dribbler has eight seconds to beat the defender and score on the Keeper. The defender must choose between going for the ball and stalling. And if the defender is beaten, the Keeper can break the play up away from goal.

Rules for One to Beat

Field Setup. The field consists of a regulation-size goal and a goal line. Three cones, about thirty paces from the goal, mark the places from which three lines will start.
Starting Positions. Up to twelve field players and a Keeper participate. Three of the players begin as defenders, one facing each line. The other players begin as dribblers. They divide into three lines, and each player has a ball.
Object of the Game. A dribbler tries to score by defeating a defender and shooting on the Keeper. The ball must be in the net within eight seconds.
How a Try Works. A dribbler from the first line begins dribbling toward goal, as the defender there attempts to prevent a goal. The dribbler may dribble past the defender, or shoot from further out. The Keeper may make a save in goal, or come charging out. The coach times the attempt.
How the Game Proceeds. After a try, the dribbler gets back in line and the defender awaits the next dribbler. The game proceeds to the second line, where another 1 v 1 duel takes place. The game continues quickly from one line to the next, until each dribbler has had three tries. The defenders then switch places with three dribblers. Players continue rotating until all have had the same number of dribbling tries. The player with the most goals wins.

Note the time-saving features. While one line would waste time, two or three lines move quickly. And the eight count prevents dillydallying around.

With a larger number of players, get two games going on back-to-back goals (see diagram). Ball retrieval is easier, and players get twice as many tries.