Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Defending 1v1 (Community League Practice)

Warm up (10 mins)

Organization:

1. One ball per pair.

2. Open space.

Instructions:

1. Get players into three groups and have them pass and follow their pass

Coaching Points:

1. Pressure

2. Speeed of approach

3. Angle of approach

Progressions:

1. Immediate presssure upon passing the ball

2. Jockey for a few yards and then continue to the back on the line

1 v 1 on small goal (15 mins)

1 v 1 on Small Goal

Set-Up: Set up grids 10 yds by 15 yds with two small goals at either end. Balls located at one end.

Instructions: The defender plays a ball in to one of the attacking team who attempt to score through small goal at opposite end of the grid to score a point by gaining the line and 3 points by dribbling through the goal.

Progression: on interception defender can counter to score.

Coaching Points: Stay switched on - immediate transition from attacking to defending

1st Defender tactics - a.Make a decision which way to show attacker b.Curved run to show attacker one way or the other c.Close down space early and quickly d.Sideways on body position e.Get low f.Stay on feet g.Watch the ball h.Be aggressive - initiate contact

Cool Down (5 mins)

Instructions

Light jog, side steps, skipping walk & shake, dynamic stretches

Circle up and stretch

Session Review:

3 things to take away from the session

Cheer and disband!