Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending 1v1

Game: 3v3 (20 mins)

• Organization
• 10 x 15 yard playing area
• 4 goals - 2 on each end
• 9 players - 3 teams of 3 players each
• Pinnies
• Cones

Activity

• Begin with two teams playing one another while the third team waits outside the playing area.
• The first team to score within two minutes stay on the field to play the team in waiting. If neither team score within 2 minutes, the coach stops the game and calls one of the teams off.
• When a team scores, they keep possession and immediately play the other way while the two teams transition on and off the field.
• Player can only score within the last 5 yards of the pitch.

Coaching Emphasis

• Approach of the first defender when pressing - angle of approach, speed of approach
• Body position when defending against the ball carrier facing their own goal
• Positioning of second defenders relative to opposition

Additional Coaching Information

• With less than 9 players, game should be 4v4 instead.

Final game - 5v5 (20 mins)

Organization:

• 15 x 20 playing area
• Pinnies
• Cones
• 5v5
• 2 goals at each end

• Play 5v5, using regular FIFA laws of the game. Throw-ins preferred. Ball carrier may pass or dribble when playing out from the back. Instead of corners, team in possession gets a throw-in anywhere they choose in the final third.
• Give defenders incentive to win possession in opposing team's half e.g. 2 points for scoring after winning possession in opposing team's half, a point if they win possession before opposing team completes 5 passes.