Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Defending Outnumbered.

Defending Outnumbered. (20 mins)

Setup

Number of players can be adjusted to suit the available players, however defenders always need to be outnumbered by the attackers, 3 defenders would need 5 attackers (2 wingers and 3 central)

• Reds attack the goal with the goalkeeper.
• 11 & 7 are wingers, they cannot enter the central area or shoot. Wingers have a limited time to cross the ball into the area. Defenders cannot tackle the wingers but can try to close the space down.
• Reds have to go beyond the poles / horizontal line before 9 can shoot / score, this stops shooting from anywhere and makes the game more realistic.
• Blues look to win the ball back and attack the small goals wingers cannot defend the mini goals.
• Once the ball goes dead or out of play, the next group of 3 attackers go against the same defenders.
• Swap player roles after a certain amount of time (suggested time max 5 min)
• Count number of goals for each team to make it competitive.

• Focus on defending so in the practice, coaching to the defenders.
• Pressure: The player closest to the ball applies pressure.
• Body Position: Side on (like a skateboard) so you can twist / turn both ways.
• Cover: The second defender furthest from the ball provides cover behind the pressing player in case they get beat.
• Control & Restraint: Don`t dive into tackles or rush in. Jockey until theres a moment to steal the ball and get body shape right (side on, hand out)
• Delay: Can you delay the attacker from progressing up the pitch to the end zone.