Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Club Session Plan UEFA B - Defending in the Final 3rd 091114

Component 1 (20 mins)

Set Up:

Half a pitch, one goal and one GK, players split between attackers and defenders.

Supply of balls in goal.

Rotation:

On coaches instruction, GK will throw the ball out to an attacker at the half way.

Two strikers will instantly move to the edge of the 18 yard box.

Two wideman will go as wide as they can, these four attackers then need to retain possession of the ball.

As the GK throws out, four defenders from behind the goal will come out and form a back four, working as a unit to close down the widemen and the strikers. Looking for the defenders to work as a unit, be patient and close early.

Coaching Points:

Discuss when to pressure, how to pressure and where to pressure ball - Immediate pressure on the ball and ensuring the first defender is making the play predictable by forcing the player with the ball into DEAD space (towards their cover defenders).

Players in covering positions should be at about a 30-45 degree angle from first defender, communicating to them about which way they should be forcing the person with the ball, etc.

Player(s) in a balancing position(s) should be behind ball, in a position to see both ball and 3rd attackers and to transition to attack if the ball is won.

Defensive shape is a key to successfully winning the ball back. – Flat, connected and compact,

forcing the ball to where the defensive numbers are.

Phase of Play (20 mins)

Set Up:

Half a pitch, one goal and one GK, players split between attackers and defenders.

Supply of balls in goal on halfway line.

Set up defenders as 4-2-1 (target man and supplier)

Attackers set up as a 2-4-2

Rotation:

On coaches instruction, Target/Feeder will pass the ball out to a fullback.

Working with widemen, strikers and central midfielders, looking to create a chance on goal.

Four defenders and two central midfielders work as a unit to close down the widemen and the strikers.

Looking for the defenders to work as a unit, be patient and close early.

If defenders win possession, they play ball up to target/feeder.

Coaching Points:

Discuss when to pressure, how to pressure and where to pressure ball - Immediate pressure on the ball and ensuring the first defender is making the play predictable by forcing the player with the ball into DEAD space (towards their cover defenders).

Players in covering positions should be at about a 30-45 degree angle from first defender, communicating to them about which way they should be forcing the person with the ball, etc.

Player(s) in a balancing position(s) should be behind ball, in a position to see both ball and 3rd attackers and to transition to attack if the ball is won.

Defensive shape is a key to successfully winning the ball back. – Flat, connected and compact,

forcing the ball to where the defensive numbers are.