Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending in the box

WU Short/Short/Long (10 mins)

Organization:

1. Field spacing is half of a soccer field or whatever is available 

2. Players work in groups of 3s

2. Each group with 1 ball

Instructions:

1.The sequence is two short passes and one long pass

2. Player 1 plays a give and go with player 2. On the return pass player 1 hits a long ball (15-20 yards) to player 3.

3. After the long pass player 1 immediately makes a run towards play 3 to offer support for the long pass 

4. Player 1&3 then repeat the sequence with player 2 now becoming the furthest player. 

Coaching Points:

1. Getting into line with the ball

2. Assess the flight as ball travels

3. Select appropriate surface for receiving the long pass

4. weight and accuracy of passes between players to maintain good tempo

Progressions:

1.P – Increase the passing distance

2.P – Limit players to one touch

3.Regression – Reduce the distance of the longer pass

4.P - Making passing sequence competitive first team to 10 reps.

Defending in and around the box (40 mins)

Learning Objectives

Defending in and around the box

Squad split attackers and defenders.

Defenders start on goal line (2 v 2 to start) play a diagonal pass into the attackers who combine together to score a goal.

Defenders press quickly toward the ball to prevent shots or attackers enterering the area.

After a while increase numbers to 3 v 3 and 4 v 4, rotate roles to give attackers a chance to defend.

If defending team win the ball back can they play the ball through any of the attacking teams goals.

Technical

Defenders must communicate with each other, make quick decisions weather to press the ball, delay the play or track runners off the ball.

Encourage attackers to make overlapping runs to enhance defenders understanding of "passing players on" to avoid crossing over and maintain good shape.

Tactical

Defenders should:

Identify attackers weak foot, force the play onto their weaker side, away from their goal, keep the ball out of the box, prepare to block shots.

COMMUNICATE

Physical

High physical demand when defending,

Psychological/Social

Awareness and focus

Screen 5 (30 mins)

Organization:

Area 20x30 area divided in two.

2 or 3 team of 4 players.

4 cones with a ball on top as shown.

Instructions:

At coach's signal players must run touch the ball with their hand without knocking it over, shuffle back around the blue cone and up to the next red cone.

First player to finish score a point.

Coaching Points:

Quickly close on the ball.

Slow down on the approach.

Bend your knees, lower body.

Shuffle backward around the cone. (small quick steps)

Progressions: