Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Defending in Small Numbers

Hands & Feet

Set Up: 2v1

• Split field in two making two grids. 

• Divided the grid into two half's  
• In one grid players can use their HANDS only and in the other FEET only (Some teams because of numbers may have to start with one activity HANDS Only then move to FEET Only)

Session Aims: Attacking team: One player takes a ball out of the triangle and combine with teammate to get the ball into the other half of the gird in order to pass to teammate inside the triangle at the other end of the grid. 

Focus team: 

• Defenders stay in their half of the grid. 
• The 1st defender try's to win the ball and dribble/place it back into the triangle. If the ball gets into the other half of the grid, the 2nd defender try's to win the ball and make a pass to the 1st defender who then dribbles/place the ball back into the triangle. 
• Players rotate allowing each player to try different roles.

Coaching Points: 

:: Can the 1st defender close down the player on the ball.

:: Angle of approach to cover the passing lane and to cover the 2nd attacker.

:: 2nd defender not standing in one spot but moving following the play ready to defend if and when the ball makes it into their half of the grid.

Progressions:

Allow 2nd defender to join the 1st making a 2v2 and allowing the 3rd attacker in the tringle to come into the grid. 

Finial - Game (30 mins)

• 3v3/6v6.
• 24x34 pitch.

:: Use normal rules of the game such as corners, throw ins or kick ins etc...

:: Reinforce the session theme and praise when you see good moments

:: Try not to stop the game too much as this is a chance for players to use what they have learned in a game environment