Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): U10 Defending

Tecnical Warm up (20 mins)

4v2 Split the Defenders:

4 Attackers pass the ball around the outside of a 7x7 square. The attackers try to pass through the square. The square has 2 defenders who play inside of the square and try to intercept any passes played through the square.

Round 1: The attackers try to play through the square.

Round 2: The attackers try to play through the square and also, split the defenders when possible. Defenders try to avoid allowing the ball to played through and avoid getting split.

*defenders rotate every 2 minutes.

Coaching Points/Questions:

Who should pressure the ball?

What should your body position be when pressing the ball?

Where should you position yourself to intercept passes?

Expanded Small Sided (20 mins)

5v3+GK:

Coach sets up a 45Lx35W field with a big goal at 1 end and 2 counter goals at the other. The team of 3 + GK defends the big goal and tries to score on the 2 counter goals. The team of 5 attacks the big goal. The team of 3 + GK tries to avoid getting split and/or giving up a goal.

Coach will focus on the 2 defenders closest to the ball, how they work together and the roll of the 3rd defender.

Coaching Points/Questions:

What can the defenders do to make the attack predictable?

Why should the defenders be compacted?

When should defenders go for the ball vs when should they delay?