Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defensive Shape & Compactness

Defending Fundamentals (10 mins)

SetUp

Players set up in pairs as shown, one ball between two

Organization

Defender starts with the ball and passes to the attacker. The attacker receives the ball and begins to dribble at the defender. The defender takes a defensive shape in relation to the attacker.

Progressions

1) Introduce concept of pressure, closing down quickly, good body shape

2) Introduce concept of balance and weight on front foot even though moving backwards

3) Full pressure defending

Coaching Points

Deny Space

Deny Time

Deny Penetration

Body position side on, touching distance, knees bent

Balance/Weight on front foot

Pressure, Cover &Balance to Goal (20 mins)

SetUp

3 teams of 3, penalty area. One team defends, one attacks and one rests.

Organization

Attacking players in White after reveiving a pass from the GK must combine to create space and set up a shot on goal. Defenders in Yellow must work on staying compact and preventing penetration. If the defending team wins the ball the counter to small goals or pass to waitinf players. When the game is finished ball starts again with GK, white team now becomes the new defending team.

Coaching Points

Deny Space & Time - Close down quickly

Cover & Balance defender roles

Communication & organization

Disciplined tracking of attackers