Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Intro to Defending

Intro - Defending 1v1 (10 mins)

Organisation:

20 x 20 yd square

Players in pairs

Instruction:

On coaches whistle the attacker has 20 seconds and 1 change of direction to lose the defender and run out of the area. Defender attempts to tag attacker before leaves the area.

Swap roles.

Progression:

Allow attacker 2 changes of direction.

Add a footballl for the attacker to dribble.

Coaching points:

Touch tight to attackers.

Body position to be able to change direction quickly.

Change of speed & direction to block attackers line.

Awareness of attackers movements

Conditioned Game - Defending 1v1 / 2v2 (20 mins)

Organisation:

Area 20 x 20 yds

2 cones 5 yards apart in each corner.

Players split into 4 groups.

Balls.

Instruction:

Defender (Yellow) passes the ball to Attacker (Black).

Attacker attempts to score by dribbling through any of the gates on the Defender’s line.

Defending player attempts to win possession of the ball to score by dribbling through the gates on the Attackers line.

Players swap roles.

Progression:

Play 2 v 2.

Coaching points:

Speed of approach & angle when closing down

Slow down the last yard & be ready for any quick moves or tricks by opponent

Body shape - angled & use of arms for balance/blocking

Acceleration to close down

Deceleration to slow down when approaching defender

Balance & proprioception to be in a position to challenge for the ball

Feet & hip coordination

Agility.