⚽️ HOW TO teach children to defend 1v1! When coaching children to improve their 1v1 defending, it’s important to focus on clear, simple skills and core principles that build their confidence and technique. Here are some of the key points to teach! 1. Get low Encourage children to bend their knees and stay on the balls of their feet. Getting low improves balance and allows quick changes of direction. This is a strong foundation for effective defending and helps them react faster to the attacker’s movements. 2. Get side on Teach them to position their body sideways to the attacker, rather than facing them straight on. This side-on stance enables more efficient movement and keeps the defender ready to block the attacker’s path or make a tackle. It also helps stop them from getting nutmegged! 3. Tackle using your front foot Your front foot, when side on, is the foot closest to the ball. By jabbing at the ball with this foot, you can remain low and on the balls of your feet and avoid overco...