intermediate
    premium
    15-20 minutes
    Defending
    Positioning
    Footwork
    1v1
    3v3
    5v5

    1v1 Channeling Drill

    Practice forcing attackers onto their weak foot using body positioning. Requires a partner (parent/sibling).

    Get scored on this drill — free

    Upload a phone video. The LevelUp AI returns a score, breakdown, and tips in minutes.

    Start free

    How to record this drill

    Film 3+ complete reps without stopping. One rep is a preview — three lets the AI measure whether your quality holds up under repetition.

    Objective

    Force attackers onto their weak foot using body positioning and angles.

    Setup

    10-yard wide lane (cones each side), 1 ball, partner as attacker.

    Instructions
    1. Set up a 10-yard wide lane with cones on each side
    2. Attacker starts with ball at one end, defender 5 yards away
    3. Defender's goal: force attacker to exit through ONE specific side (e.g., always force left)
    4. Defender uses body angle and positioning - no tackling required
    5. Attacker tries to escape through either side gate
    6. Switch roles after 5 attempts. Success = attacker exits your chosen side
    What good looks like
    • Body angle forces the attacker to ONE specific side
    • Stay on feet, no early tackles
    • Distance is right — close enough to threaten, far enough to react
    • Successful repetitions — attacker exits the chosen side
    Common mistakes
    • Square stance — attacker has both sides
    • Diving in for the tackle — beaten
    • Standing too far off — attacker gets a free shot
    • No plan for which side to force
    Equipment
    4 cones
    1 ball
    Partner
    Position fit
    Defender
    Midfielder
    Progressions
    How to make this drill harder as the player improves.

    Foundation

    Level 1

    Walk-through against a passive partner, force a chosen side.

    Form

    Level 2

    Game-pace partner, force them to one side, 6 of 10 reps successful.

    Tempo

    Level 3

    Mix sides on a coach call before the rep starts.

    Pressure

    Level 4

    Add a finish target — force the attacker into a low-percentage shot.

    Match Rhythm

    Level 5

    Live 1v1 in a wide channel.

    Mastery

    Level 6

    Live 1v1 in the final third with goal scoring consequence.

    How the AI scores this drill
    Primary metric: Channeling And Body Angle

    Body Angle & Channeling

    40%

    Defender's body angle explicitly closes the non-chosen side and opens the designated exit — held consistently as the attacker moves across the lane

    Patience & Composure

    25%

    Defender holds the channeling shape without diving or lunging — waits for the attacker to commit, then shifts weight to maintain direction

    Footwork & Angle Maintenance

    20%

    Lateral shuffle tracks the attacker while keeping the channeling angle intact — the angle must travel with the attacker, not just be set once at the start

    Starting Position & Distance

    15%

    Correct initial setup (~5 yards from attacker) and appropriate distance management throughout — close enough to threaten, far enough to react to the first touch

    Try this drill, get an AI score in minutes

    7-day free trial. Upload a phone video and we'll grade you on the criteria above.

    Get scored — free