Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Defending - 1vs1/2vs2 / Coverage

Warm-Up

Warm Up - Physical literacy

Organization

- 1 box (20x20) (Shown in two boxes for the progression, in the session, use same box)

Objective

- Physical Literacy (dynamic warm up)

- Jogging in the grid with a ball in the hands

(GRID#1) Performing various movement (toss ball left-right-left-right continuously while jogging, progress to toss and catch, around the back)

(GRID #2) Progress to the floor - dribbling, small touches (counting touches to promote intensity - inside the feet(bells), bottom of the foot, laces etc.

Coaching Points

- Cognitive awareness - focusing on the movements/decision making

- Physical Literacy - various body movements/coordination with the hands/feet

- Dribbling - lots of touches on the ball

- Close to the body

- Head up (see the ball/man/space)

1v1/2v2 Defending

Set Up

- set 4 Grids (depending on numbers)

- 3 blue cones (20x20) (marking the play area)

- 2 Red cones 4 yards apart (marking the gate)

Objective

- Focusing on the defender (1v1 - w/ progression to 2v2)

Activity

- 1st - split the group in half (defneders and attackers)

- Defenders behind red net

- Attackers at Blue Cone Diagnoal to the net

- Defenders start with the balls

- Defender plays a ball into the feet of the attacker and looks to press - closing the attacker down, as far away from the goal as possible

- Attackers look to attack the big net

- If the defenders win possession, they can score on the two blue nets (side of each grid) (always have a target for both teams to attack - gives purpose)

- PROGRESSION (2V2)

--> Adding in second defender and attacker

--> Focusing on the shape/distance of second defender

Coaching Points

- Speed of approach (deccelerate when approaching)

- Angle of approach (forcing to nearest touchline)

- Body shape - knees bent, side on

- Distance of approach (one arm into the defender keep at distance - give space to recover if beat)

2v2

- Distance and angle between 1st and second defender

- 1st Defender (applies pressure)

- 2nd provides support/cover

- Communication (I'm In, force left, force right)

-