Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 2nd Defender: Pressure and Cover

Screen 2

Organization:

1) 3 groups of 4. (Like picture to promote repetition)

Instructions:

1. The defending player starts the exercise by passing the ball into the attacking player of the end lines

2. Once the pass has been received the defending player runs in to close down the attacker

3. The attacker must attempt to score by dribbling the ball through the opposite end line. If defender recover he can score by going though the opposite line

Coaching Points:

1) 1st Defender: closest to ball - Press to delay and direct

Speed, Angle, and distance of approach

When and how to tackle

1. Close down quickly

2. Angle of approach to make play predictable

3. Slow down as you approach the attacker

4. Bend the knees, stay sideways on to the ball

5. Prepare for next action - Delay or Tackle

Progressions:

Screen 4

Organization:

2v3 and 3v3

Attaking team going to goal

Defenders going to mini goals

Instructions:

!) Gk start by working on goal kick with a pass to any of the 3 strikers on deck

2) 2 defenders try to defend the goal, working on pressure and cover

3) If Defender recover ball go to mini goals on the side

4) Attackers when losing ball work on transition and on Pressure and cover

Coaching Points:

1. 1sr Defender: Delay and Direct

2. 2nd Defender: Cover - cut passing lane

3. When to commit - Bad touche, pass back, head down

4. Communication

Progressions: