Game version
Help-is-coming game: a defender delays two attackers while a teammate recovers. The trio earns a point each time help arrives before a shot.
Delay Until Help Arrives
Slow a 2v1 attack down until a recovering teammate gets back.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Two attackers go against you in a 20-yard channel.
Core: Medium. Beat your own best.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 14 min
- Players
- 3 players
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer ball, 6 cones, 3 players
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Defending
The steps
How it works
- Two attackers go against you in a 20-yard channel.
- A teammate starts 10 yards behind the play.
- Backpedal and stay between the attackers until your teammate arrives.
- Do 10 rounds and rotate.
Coaching point
Do not dive in; buy time.
Safety: Stay on your feet and play the ball, not the player. No slide tackles; any live challenge is only with a coach watching.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Levels: Less (a long delay allowed), Core (medium), More (short). Beat your own best.
Story
You are a knight holding the gate until the cavalry arrives.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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