Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Zonal Defending

Zone (25 mins)

6v6

Blue play to the big goal. Black to counter goals

Blue #7,8,9,10,11 + GK

Black 1,2,3,4,5&6

Defending team encouraged to press in only their zone, unless 1st defender is beaten and has to recover in which case cover defender pressures the ball. defender who was beaten recovers behind the ball in line with the front post.

Coaching points:

Pressure - move when the ball moves- if immediate pressure is unavailable shut off penetrating pass lanes, then shut down the ball - "prevent then press"

Cover - angles and distances. are you able to pressure the ball if the first defender is beaten. Depth, angle and distance away from first defender, avoid being flat.

Balance - make sure you are in a position inside(ball side) of their widest player. - make sure your body positioning is open allowing you to see their widest player and the ball.

Compactness - make the space the group is defending as small as possible. Good distances between back 4 - Maximum 35 yards - approx 8.5 yards between each player.

Communication

stay in zones - don't cross over laterally- steer opponents into support or sideline. try to eliminate the opponents options with positioning.