Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending in wide areas

Technical warm up activity (10 mins)

Intensity: low

Set up:

-channels 10 x 15 yards

- 1 v 1 in each channel

Activitiy:

-ball is played by bottom player to attacker. Once they have played the ball they follow pass, approach attacker and defend. Defender is passive at first to develop shadowing technique then becomes live. Ensure players are rotating positions every 3 turns.

- to score dribble ball past opposite end line.

Progression:

- 2 v 1

- 2 v 2

Coaching Points:

- control speed of approach

- angle of approach

- body position - knees bent, weight forward, side on, side on keep the feet moving while jockeying

- distance from attacker

- eyes on the ball at all times

Phase of play (30 mins)

ntensity: Low

Intervals: 6 minute work + 2 min rest x 3 sets

Set up:

- Area: 2/3 pitch and full width

- 7 reds plus GK vs 7 blues plus target player

Activity:

- Blues looking to score in big goal

- Reds look to make 5 consecutive passes to score or make a successful pass to target player.

- Reds counter to score by playing ball to target player (green)

-Target player to recycle ball back into the attacking team

Progressions:

- perform the starting points on both side of the field

- change specific positions

Start Positions:

- Blues allowed to play an unpressured pass wide to a wing player.

- Red 11 over hits pass to red 8 and blue plays out

- Red 8 plays out to red 7 with blue intercepting pass and playing

Coaching points:

1. Pressing the ball

- When? - Why? - How?

- 1v1 Defending in wide areas

2. Supporting the press

- Marking spaces

- Marking opponents

- Who? - How?

3. Tracking and marking opponents

4. Defending reponsibilities in/around the penalty box