Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Pressure Cover Balance

Plyometrics (40 mins)

• Extensive Pogo - Two feet, then alternate feet
• Intensive Poso - Single leg 

4 v 4 fitness (20 mins)

Fitness

3 x 8 reps

time: 1 - 2 minute sets

rest: 1 - 2.5 minutes

Moment

Defending

Objective

To prevent the opponent from building up, win the ball and score.

Player Actions

Pressure/cover/balance • Stay involved • Mark player/area

Key Qualities

Read game/make decisions • Initiative • Focus

Organization

Mark out two 36 x 24-yard fields. Divide players into four teams of four. Free play: Teams play 4 v 4 on 8-yard goal lines without goalkeepers (pass on the ground to score). Goals scored after winning the ball in the opponent’s half count double. Play for 30 minutes with two-three breaks.

Keywords

immediate pressure, force them backwards

Guided Questions

1) Why is it good to win the ball in the opponent’s half? 2) How can we keep them from moving the ball forward? 3) Where should we try to force them to move? 4) As a covering defender, how can you stay involved by communicating?

Answers

1) We’re close to their goal (closer for us to score). 2) Work together to close the openings. 3) Towards a covering teammate or backwards to their own goal. 4) By telling the pressuring defender the direction to force the opponent.

Notes

First break: Coach asks questions, players continue playing to discover answers. Second break: Players share answers with coach and each other. Refer to the Training Session Manual.