Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): SSG 3v3 Defending

Global - SSG 3v3 (15 mins)

Organization:

-20 x 20 yard area set up as shown

-12 players (3 teams of 4 players each)

-4 pug nets or 4 cones with a ball on it

Instructions:

1. Each team will play each other (3 games each at 4 minutes)

2. Goal is to not have your ball knocked off the cone

3. Point Scoring: 1 point for scoring in goal

3 points for knocking ball off cone

5 points for not conceding any goals

Coaching Points:

1. Speed of approach & angle when closing down

2. Slow down the last yard & be ready for any quick moves or tricks by opponent

3. Body shape - angled & use of arms for balance/blocking (correct tackling technique-block or poke

tackle)

4. Jockeying to show defenders one way

5. Acceleration to close down

6. Deceleration to slow down when approaching defender

7. Read the play to be able to defend early

8. Balance & proprioception to be in a position to challenge for the ball

9. Feet & hip coordination

10. Agility

-Correct tackling technique (block or poke tackle)

Global - SSG Defending (15 mins)

Organization:

-10 to 12 players

-25x20 area

-see diagram for equipment and set-up

Instructions:

4v4/5v5/6v6 SSG with man-to-man marking. Each player pairs up with a player from the opposite team, their responsibility when defending is to know where that player is and prevent them from scoring.

Coaching Points:

1. Speed of approach & angle when closing down

2. Slow down the last yard & be ready for any quick moves or tricks by opponent

3. Body shape - angled & use of arms for balance/blocking

4. Jockeying to show defenders one way

5. Acceleration to close down

6. Deceleration to slow down when approaching defender

7. Read the play to be able to defend early

8. Balance & proprioception to be in a position to challenge for the ball

9. Feet & hip coordination

10. Agility