Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defensive Organization in a 4-2-3-1

Def. organisation - Support runs to enable quick counter-attacks (20 mins)

Set up:

• Use half a pitch
• Mark out 3 zones as shown
• 3 Goals at one end 
• 2/3 support players at the other end 
• Reds in a 4-2-1 formation (replicate a 4-2-3-1)
• Blues 2-3-3 (replicates a 4-3-3)

Practice:

• Starts with Blues in zone 1
• Blues try to score in one of the goals (2 points for scoring in the main goal)
• Red team win the ball back and try to play forward into one of the support players (SP)
• Red's can either pass directly to the SP or by using no.10 in zone 2 first
• The player who passes to the SP must quickly run into the "Passer Zone" to receive a pass back, which scores a point
• Whilst this is happening ALL REDS must move into zone 2 (squeeze) whilst maintaining their shape - this must be done before the pass is received back in the "Passer Zone - 3"

• Defending team use ball orientated defense - press as a unit to limit time and space
• Apply as much pressure to win the ball back quickly
• Maintain distances between each other and communicate
• In transition from defense to attack, there needs to be good awareness and quick support play
• All movements should be done at a high tempo