Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending - 2v2 drill

Defending 2v2 (15 mins)

Take away the middle line in the end two channels and turn the games into 2vs2.

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Again defenders start with the ball and they pass to the attackers. The defenders now work together to stop the attackers getting over the end line, using the skills they have just learnt in the 1v1 drill. (fast to the ball, slow down on approach, side on, low body position, pivot on back foot, arc run to cut off space)

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Coaching Points:

>Defenders need to work as a unit - have a man each but DO NOT mark them

>Closest defender (1st defender) needs to apply pressure to the ball - this means the fast then slow approach, getting touch tight, with side on body position

>Second defender needs to provide depth and balance

>Depth means deeper towards own goal line than first defender, Balance means slightly behind 1st defender. By providing depth and balance, the 2nd defender can cover the 1st defender if they get beaten 1vs1, but can also go and apply pressure to the other attacker if the ball is passed across.

>If the ball is passed across, the 2nd defender now becomes the 1st defender and applies pressure to the ball, arcing the run to show inside, while the other defender becomes the 2nd defender and provides depth and balance.

>The 1st defender needs to show the attacker inside towards his covering defender, which means they need to arc their run to cut off the space outside

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Key Points:

1st Defender applies pressure to the ball, arcing run to show inside towards covering defender

2nd Defender provides depth and balance

The two defenders switch roles as the ball is passed from one attacker to the other

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Remember - the ball going sideways is one that we dont mind and we can deal with, the ball going forwards is the one we want to stop.