Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 3/2 HC

9 v 9 Def 1/3 (30 mins)

Defending

Objective

To deny chances, win the ball back and score

Player Actions

 Stay compact 

 Body shape in the back 

 Big arms length, stay on toes and match his run, don't let them get in the same line as you

Press in the identified situation

 bad touch, outnumbered...

 Run forward and to the outside

Key Qualities

Read game/make decisions • Focus

Organization

Mark out an 80 x 84-yard field. Teams play 9 v 9. Red plays a 1–2–3–3 formation, and Blue plays a 1–4–3–1. Play starts with a pass from Red’s goalkeeper. Blue starts out in the marked middle zone. If they win the ball, they counterattack on the goal in the middle or the goal lines on the wings. After interruptions, players return to their starting positions and play is restarted by Red’s goalkeeper. Play for 30 minutes with two breaks.

Keywords

Stay compact, move with the ball, attack the ball

Guided Questions

1) What are you trying to do in this activity? 2) How do you do that? 3) Show me the right moment to press? 

Answers

1) Disrupt the buildup in our own half, deny chances and win the ball back. 2) Focus on defending; form a compact block between the penalty box and the centerline; stay close to all nearby teammates; move with the ball.

4 v 4 fitness (20 mins)

Fitness

3 x 8 reps

time: 1 - 2 minute sets

rest: 1 - 2.5 minutes

Moment

Defending

Objective

To prevent the opponent from building up, win the ball and score.

Player Actions

Pressure/cover/balance • Stay involved • Mark player/area

Key Qualities

Read game/make decisions • Initiative • Focus

Organization

Mark out two 36 x 24-yard fields. Divide players into four teams of four. Free play: Teams play 4 v 4 on 8-yard goal lines without goalkeepers (pass on the ground to score). Goals scored after winning the ball in the opponent’s half count double. Play for 30 minutes with two-three breaks.

Keywords

immediate pressure, force them backwards

Guided Questions

1) Why is it good to win the ball in the opponent’s half? 2) How can we keep them from moving the ball forward? 3) Where should we try to force them to move? 4) As a covering defender, how can you stay involved by communicating?

Answers

1) We’re close to their goal (closer for us to score). 2) Work together to close the openings. 3) Towards a covering teammate or backwards to their own goal. 4) By telling the pressuring defender the direction to force the opponent.

Notes

First break: Coach asks questions, players continue playing to discover answers. Second break: Players share answers with coach and each other. Refer to the Training Session Manual.