Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defensive Zones

1v1 defending (20 mins)

Game 1: Field layout 20y wide 30yl. Small goal on either end

Ball placed between Blue and Red players. Blue is the first attacker. Blue does one or more body-only feints trying to get Red to commit, then takes the ball and attempts to score on either goal. Red may not run until ball is touched.

Blue must attempt to finish at the goal they attack first.

If Red wins, they may attack other goal.

Switch roles after each battle.

Progression:

Attacking player may change direction and attack either goal.

Game 2:

Field is set up as shown. Blue is attacker, Red is defender.

Red and Blue play 1-touch from a distance of 4-5 yards. Once 4 passes are made, Blue can receive, exit gate (up, out and around, i.e. no dummies), turn and go to goal at any time. As soon as he does so, Red makes a recovery run through the gate and attempts to intercept.

Progression:

Blue player can come through gate and attack at any time (no minimum pass requirement).

Coaching points on both games:

-Good first touch by attacker

-Speed and composure to finish

-Awareness by the attacker: maintain distance from defender or cut across their path?

-Awareness by defender: catch and engage attacker, or beat them to a spot?

zonal defending 3v2 (20 mins)

Organization: Play on half field with cones between 3-5 yards past box limiting sideline play.

Defenders play 2 v 3. Stress balance and pressure.

Attackers look to play quick through balls and directed crosses into box finishing with shot on goal.

Goalie plays ball out to one of the next 3 attackers who controls the ball and intitiates attack.

Progressions: Introduce 3rd defender/ add a neutral player who can play for either team.

Attacking players are split into groups of 3, score 1 point for goal, -1 for defensive clearance through flags.