Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defensive Organisation

Handball (10 mins)

Set up 

Even teams in, a handball game. 5 successful passes equal to 1 point. If the ball touches the ground then possession is lost. The player with the ball cannot move but can pivot off one foot and the ball cannot be thrown above shoulder height. A pass cannot be made unless the player receiving shouts the name of the player with the ball.

Progressions - max 3 seconds with ball in hand.

 - must control the ball with chest/thigh before taking into hands.

Coaching Points

- Body shape, Keep your body open to see the whole picture.

- Scan the field looking for space and where your next pass/movement will be.

Questions:

 Q - What must you do to receive a pass? A - Move into space with clear passing line.

 Q - What should you know immediately after receiving a pass? A - Where the next pass is going.

Back 4 organisation and Communication. (20 mins)

Set-Up

In teams of 5, one team starts as the defending team (Blue). The next group of 5 attacks the goal freely. Once the attack is over, the attacking team (White) become the defending team and the next team of 5 (Yellow) attack. The original defending team then recover back to the half way line. Allow 5 seconds to organise and regroup between attacks.

Coaching Points

- Defenders must organise very quickly after being the attacking team

- COMMUNICATE,  everyone needs to talk and be confident in their comms.
- Be patient, don't dive in and risk a missed challenge.

- The closest player applies pressure, everyone else, tucks in and slides over.

Problems/Solutions

P - The passes keep getting through the line. S - Keep tighter to your teammate. Make the split pass very difficult to complete.

P -Conceding a lot of shots. S - Apply better pressure to the player in possession.