Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defensive principles

Initial activity (15 mins)

Set Up

Set up cones for dynamic felx routine including: Motor Movements, Dynamic stretches and speed and quickness movements.

Progression

Pass and move in groups of 3. On coaches call, the player that has the ball passes the ball and then becomes the defender. Defender to press passive attacker working of defensive pressure and stance.

Coaching Points

Pressure

- Speed

- Slow Down

- Side face

- Squat/Surf stance

2v2 (15 mins)

Set Up

Same set up as previous phase.

Defender Plays ball into attacker, 2nd attacker and 2nd defender join the game to play 2v2. Defenders to stop attacker scoring and try to score in either wide goal. Alternate starting line.

Progression

Change start position of defenders with:

- 2nd defender making recovery run from wide area.

- 2nd defender starts behind the attacker and is not active until the ball until attacker touches the ball.

Coaching Points

Pressure

Cover

- Angle

- Distance

Communication

Recovery runs

Delay the attack

Defending with a back 3 and CM (15 mins)

Set Up

Attackers to play against defenders in 4v4+Gk game. Defending team play 3-1 and attacking team play with 1-2-1. Defenders to stop attacker scoring and try to score in either wide goal. Alternate starting point. Defenders have 5 seconds to score whenever they win the ball.

Coaching Points

Pressure

Cover

- Middle CB or CM cover L/RCB

Balance

Role of CM

- Screen pass into forward

Communication

Compactness