Steering to the Outside Gate

Set-up

Mark out a rectangular playing area, roughly 12 paces long (about 40 feet) by 10 paces wide (about 33 feet). Place two cones or small items, like water bottles or jumpers, 3-4 paces apart in the centre of one end to form a small central goal. About 5-7 paces further out on either side of this central goal, place another pair of cones to create a 'side gate'. One player starts with the ball near the opposite end, and the other player positions themselves defensively in front of the central goal, slightly to one side.

What you need

• Ball
• Cones
• 2 gates

The ground: 40 × 33 ft (about 12 × 10 m). The space and equipment check lists every drill that fits the ground you have.

How to run it

1. Set up. An area about twelve steps by ten, a goal in the middle, a gate on each side.
2. Stand off centre. Position so the middle looks shut and the outside looks open.
3. Front foot points. Whichever way you want them to go, that foot leads.
4. Patient. No diving in. Wait for the heavy touch.
5. Score the steer. Two points for forcing them through a side gate, one for a clean tackle.
6. Five each. Five duels each way, then swap.

Coaching points

• Stand slightly to one side so the middle looks shut and the outside looks open
• Front foot points where you want them to go
• Do not dive in — the job is to steer, not to tackle

What to watch: Body position. Square on invites them straight through the middle.

Common mistakes

• Standing 'square on': The defender faces the attacker head-on, which creates an equal pathway for the attacker to go straight through the central goal, rather than forcing them wide. This looks like the defender is directly in front of the attacker, inviting a direct attack.
• Diving in too early: The defender attempts to tackle before the attacker takes a heavy touch (a momentary loss of close control), often resulting in being dribbled past or committing a foul, and giving up the central space. This looks like a sudden, aggressive lunge for the ball.
• Incorrect front foot: The leading foot points towards the central goal or the wrong side gate, inadvertently inviting the attacker into the dangerous central area instead of funnelling them wide. This looks like the defender's body is open to the middle.
• Standing too far away: The defender leaves too much space, allowing the attacker to build speed and easily choose their path, rather than being influenced. This looks like the defender is passively watching from a distance.
• Turning their back: The defender turns their body too much, allowing the attacker to exploit the space behind them or lose sight of the ball, making recovery difficult. This looks like the defender is facing away from the attacker's main body.
• Lack of constant adjustment: The defender becomes static after their initial positioning, failing to shuffle their feet and adapt to the attacker's movements, losing their advantageous angle. This looks like the defender is flat-footed or fixed in one spot.

What good looks like

A good target: Attacker sent through a side gate rather than the middle on 8 of 10 duels.

• The defender consistently maintains an angled body position, never facing the attacker completely square-on.
• The defender's front foot reliably points towards the side gate they are trying to funnel the attacker through.
• The attacker is predominantly forced to take one of the side gates, rather than penetrating the central goal.
• The defender avoids lunging or wild tackles, instead using controlled shuffling steps to stay in front of the attacker.
• The defender quickly adjusts their body angle and position as the attacker changes direction or speed, demonstrating agility.
• The central goal is protected effectively in the majority of duels, preventing direct shots or passes through it.

Progressions and variations

Making it harder

• Level 1: No pressure walk-through. The attacker slowly dribbles, and the defender walks, focusing purely on maintaining the correct angled body position and front foot direction.
• Level 2: Light pressure. The attacker attempts to dribble at a slow jog, and the defender focuses on steering without attempting to tackle, just guiding the ball out of the central area.
• Level 3: Full pressure, no tackling. The attacker plays at a comfortable speed, and the defender uses their body to steer, but only attempts to block the ball with their foot, not win possession.
• Level 4: Add a second central goal. Instead of one central goal, make two smaller central goals, requiring even more precise positioning to shut off both options simultaneously.
• Level 5: Limited touches for attacker. The attacker is restricted to 3-5 touches to get through, forcing quicker decision-making and potentially heavier touches the defender can exploit.
• Level 6: Wider area. Expand the playing area, especially the width, to challenge the defender's ability to cover more ground while maintaining their steering angle and defensive discipline.
• Level 7: Add a recovery run. The defender starts 5 paces behind the central goal, and must sprint to get into position before the attacker reaches the central goal area, adding a physical demand.
• Level 8: Multiple gates. Introduce additional 'penalty gates' that result in points for the attacker if breached, increasing the defender's challenge in choosing which pathway to block and prioritise.

Alone, with a sibling, or in a group

• Solo: mirror a moving target with the feet, staying angled the whole time.
• Sibling: older one defends without crossing the halfway line; younger one attacks the central goal.
• Co-op: a continuous defending ladder, two points for forcing the attacker wide.

For the parent running it

• Defend a central goal by making the attacker take a side gate instead. The job is to steer, not to tackle.
• Focus on positive reinforcement: praise specific actions like 'Great job keeping your body angled!' or 'Well done waiting for that heavy touch!' rather than just 'Good defending!'. This helps them understand what they did well.
• Keep it fun and varied: If frustration sets in, swap roles, reduce the pressure, or introduce a silly rule for a moment to reset the mood. Rotate who goes first and keep scores light-hearted to maintain engagement.
• Don't overcoach: Give one or two key instructions at a time and let them try it. Too much information can be overwhelming. Let them learn by doing and experimenting with the technique.
• Integrate into a session: This drill is excellent as a focused skill practice after a warm-up. You could do 10-15 minutes of this drill, then move onto a small-sided game where they can immediately apply the learned steering skill.
• Emphasise patience: Remind your child that defending is often about waiting for the right moment. It's perfectly okay to let the attacker take a few touches as long as they are being steered effectively away from danger.

On their own: Mirror a moving target with your feet, staying angled and side-on the whole time.

Safety

• Ensure the playing surface is even and free of trip hazards to prevent falls during quick movements and changes of direction.
• Remind players to be aware of their surroundings and avoid collisions, especially when moving at speed, as both players are focused on the ball.
• Adequate warm-up is crucial to prepare muscles for quick lateral movements and changes of pace, reducing the risk of strains or sprains.
• Use soft markers for gates and goals (e.g., small cones, jumpers, or water bottles) to minimise injury risk if a player falls onto them.
• Stay hydrated, especially if playing on a warm day or for extended periods, taking regular water breaks to prevent fatigue.

More on training safely at home: Safety at Home.

Why it matters

This drill is foundational for effective one-on-one defending, teaching players how to channel attackers into less dangerous areas of the pitch. It directly prepares players for pressing situations and maintaining defensive shape in larger games, where denying central penetration is paramount. Mastering this 'steering' technique improves overall tactical awareness and reduces the need for desperate last-ditch tackles, promoting controlled and intelligent defending.