Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defensive Transition

Warm Up (10 mins)

Organization:

- Two teams

- Two poles

- One ball

Instructions:

Player dribbles to the pole and plays a diagonal pass. Upon conceding possession, the player now transitions to defense by sprinting back to the end line. To score, the opposition attacker must play the next pass before the retreating defender crosses the line.

Coaching Points:

Retreating Defender:

- Mentality

- Quick reactions

- Sprint in straight line

- Take shortest possible distance

Progressions:

- Increase distance of pole

2v2 (10 mins)

Organization:

- Two teams

- Two goals

- One end zone

- Supply of balls at halfway line

Instructions:

Player dribbles to end zone and stops the ball. Upon conceding possession the player sprints around goal before transitioning to defense by supporting 1st defender who has joined the play to protect the goal. The two attackers attempt to to score in opposition goal in a 2v1 scenario before the retreating defender can create a potential 2v2. One point for a goal scored as the attacking team and two points for the team with the retreating defender (i.e. transition to defend, win ball and score in counter goal). All goals must be scored in oppostion half.

Coaching Points:

Retreating Defender:

- Mentality

- Quick reactions

- Cut off direct route to goal / shooting lane

- Take shortest possible distance

- Sprint in straight line

- Apply immediate pressure

1st Defender:

- Delay opposition attack - until 2v2

- Cut off direct route to goal / shooting lane

Progressions:

- Adjust position of end zone

Free Play (15 mins)

Organization:

- Two teams

- Two goals

- Balls located around perimter of playing area

Instructions:

Two teams play a 4v4 small-sided conditioned game. Three conditions: 1, When a player hits the ball out of bounds they must leave the field of play, retrieve the ball and return it to the exact spot where the new ball was taken. 2, One point is scored during a 4v4, two points for scoring in an uneven numbers scenario (i.e. 4v3, 4v2, 3v2). 3, All goals must be scored in opposition half.

Coaching Points:

Retreating Defender:

- Mentality

- Quick reactions

- Cut off direct route to goal / shooting lane

- Take shortest possible distance

- Sprint in straight line

- Apply immediate pressure

1st Defender:

- Delay opposition attack - until 4v4

- Cut off direct route to goal / shooting lane

2nd & 3rd Defenders:

- Delay opposition attack - until 4v4

- Cover 1st defender

- Provide balance if necessary

- Ensure compactness

Progressions:

- Increase size of playing area