Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Players challenging for the ball (Individual Defending - Tackle, Block, Intercept)

Individual Defending Warm-up (10 mins)

Individual defending Technical Warm-up:

1. Individual Lanes without the ball

• A. When coach says go, Blue runs towards Purple
• Purple must try and run them out of the lane
• B. When the coach says GO, Blue runs towards the end of the lane 
• Purple tries to catch up and get in front to cut them off

2. Individual Lanes 1v1

• Purple passes the ball to Blue
• Blue tries to beat Purple by dribbling past them without going outside of the red lines

• Blue passes the ball to 1 of 2 purple players
• Together the purple players try to pass the blue defender without going out of the lane

Defend the box Video (20 mins)

The objective of the small-sided game is to work on the individual defending of each player.  

We have a 2-3-1 formation for each team and there are different quadrants on the field.  

You are not allowed to have more than 1 defender enter a box at one time.  

The team with the ball can create an overload in a box but not the defenders.  

Coaching Points:

• Scan the field to see the whole picture
  • To see where the opposition is moving
• Close down the space quickly
• Keep your distance - 1 arm's length away 
• Patience 
  • Don't commit to winning the ball unless the opportunity allows for it 
• Body shape: sideways 
• Have your body dictate where you will direct the offensive player
• Dictate where you want the offender to go
• Patience

The Emphasis is on:

When - When do I go to put pressure versus lay off and cover

Who - Who should I be defending

Where - Where on the field is the offensive pressure and where should I the defender go

Why - Understanding the situation and making the right decision

What - What are the triggers I need to look for to move in and defend

How - How does I, the defender, place my body that will help in delaying the opponents progression

Other Cues:

• Quick reaction from the defender
• Scanning to be aware of the field and the action around you
• Is it your man to cover or someone else’s
• Body Shape and distance when covering the player with the ball and without

Progression:

Allow 2 defenders per box to try and create numbers defensively

1 pt if the defender creates a turnover from his/her defensive pressure in the box

2 pts if the defender blocks and/or intercepts the ball 

3 pts if the turnover results in a goal

PLAY (30 mins)

The objective of the game is to apply what we have learned and put it into practice

Coaching Points:

• Scan the field to see the whole picture
  • To see where the opposition is moving
• Close down the space quickly
• Keep your distance - 1 arm's length away
• Patience
  • Don't commit to winning the ball unless the opportunity allows for it
• Body shape: sideways
• Have your body dictate where you will direct the offensive player
• Dictate where you want the offender to go
• Patience

The Emphasis is on:

When - When do I go to put pressure versus lay off and cover

Who - Who should I be defending

Where - Where on the field is the offensive pressure and where should I the defender go

Why - Understanding the situation and making the right decision

What - What are the triggers I need to look for to move in and defend

How - How does I, the defender, place my body that will help in delaying the opponents progression

Other Cues:

• Quick reaction from the defender
• Scanning to be aware of the field and the action around you
• Is it your man to cover or someone else’s
• Body Shape and distance when covering the player with the ball and without