Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defensive Transition From Zone 4 to 3

Warm Up (15 mins)

Defensive Transition - Zone 3 and Zone 4 - Press orCompact 

Equipment 

 Cones: 4 Pink

 Pinnies: 2 Pink 

Balls: 5 Balls 

Area: 10 Yards x 10 Yards

 Instructions

• Warmup beginning with dynamic stretches and basicactivation (technical/physical/mental) 
• 5v2 Rondos- GKs can be included. 
• 2 defenders hold the pinnies in their hand and try to win the ballback from the 5 attackers.
• Upon the defenders winning the ball back they can try to make 2 passes to each other or dribble the ball out of the box 
• If successful they choose 2 attackers to become defenders 
• Rotate defenders if in the middle for too long 

Coaching Points

• Gradual warmup increasing intensity and speed slowly
• Mentality shift from attack to defense
• Hunt as a group
• Recognize pre-click moment (right before possession is lost)

Analytical (20 mins)

Defensive Transition - Zone 3 and Zone 4 - Press orCompact

Equipment 

Cones: 6 Red, 2 Yellow

Pinnies: 1 Green, 5 Blue, 5 Red

Balls: 12 Balls 

Area: 25 Yards x 25 Yards 

Instructions

 - Set up teams to play 7+GK v 5+Supporting attacker

 - Start 1: - Blue Supporting attacker plays a pass into their team and look to score on the goal in a 4v5 scenario. The supporting    attacker can be played any time but cannot leave their zone and is on 2 touches.

 - Start 2: - Red GK starts build up from back and blue team defends against the buildup

 - Each ball has a maximum of 2 transitions and then it is dead and restart from either the support player or GK (coach's decision).

 - If red team wins the ball they have 2 mini goals (or gates) to score on. 

Coaching Points 

•  Immediate mentality change upon losing possession 
• Identifying moment of ball loss and establishing pressure (from closest player)
• Win the ball back within the opponents next 3 passes
• "Hunt" as a group
• If defensively unbalanced drop and protect space behind
• Direct ball to flanks while eliminating forward passing lanes
• Compactness between players and between lines (

Defensive Principles

• Delay
• Restrain
• Compact
• Control
• Deny

Cool Down (10 mins)

Instructions

•  Players will jog from side to side and gradually decrease theintensity.
•  Minimum 4-5 minutes of steady state movement.
•  Include light jogging, skipping, and walking until the playersreturn for a static stretch and rehydration.
•  While stretching, ask players questions to reflect on topic andshare learnings from session. 

Reinforce key ideas.