Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending the Long Ball

Description

Switch on when defending.

Read the play down field and react from what you see (i.e. trigger to drop and narrow would be an opponent shaping to hit a long ball unopposed.

Team becomes more compact and drops deep and narrows (Refer to Diagram 2).

GK communication to indicate whether they are coming to collect or expect the defenders to clear.

Clear decisions from the centre backs on when to drop and when to step.

If ball is played long to the corner to a diagonal run from a forward, if the centre back tracks this run, outside back slides in and assumes the centre back role.

Team slides to strong side of the field to compact space.

Track forward runs in the midfield area.

Recovery runs to get goal side of the ball and markers.

Discuss how deep to drop, do we hold the line and leave them offside (dependent on team tactics).

Defend on the attackers inside shoulders with anticipation marking technique prior to dropping off.

Head on a swivel to check other defenders positions.

Communication on who is stepping to pressure if long ball drops short, mark etc. Be clear a specific.

Defenders should be side on and ready to drop.

Protect the space behind before the space in front!! its more dangerous.