Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Defensive Zones and Actions

Concept

Each number respresents a zone on the field. The colors represent the risk level. Green is the lowest risk to defend a shot on goal while dark red is the highest. We are defending the goal to the right. See instructions for each zone below:

Zone 1: When we lose the ball in this area of the field, work hard to win it back and put shot on goal. The 9 ALWAYS cuts the field in half and forces play up one the sides. The 7 and 11 tuck inside to prevent seam passes. Force them out to the line. High reward if we win the ball back. Extremely low risk. Opportunity to set traps.

Zone 2: Set trap. The 2 or 3 allows the ball to come to them and guards the line to force place to the center of the field where the 8, 10, and 6 are located. There is not a direct threat to score. DO NOT allow them down the line and DO NOT allow them to switch.

Zone 3: Close space. The 6, 8, 9, 10, 4, 5 stay compact and prevent a penetrating pass into Zones 5 or 6. Force them wide to Zone 2 or back to Zone 1.

Zone 4: Deny crosses. Force back to Zone 2. Anticipate the overload.

Zone 5: Close direct channel to goal. The 4, 5, and 6 stay compact. Be patient. Step. Delay. Poke when ball is shown.  NO DIVING. Body shape away from goal. 

Zone 6: Block and clear. This is the highest risk zone. Step. Delay. Poke when ball is shown.  The 1, 4, 5 and 6 MUST protect goal at all cost without fouling. The 2 and 3 must tuck in for support. GK MUST communicate.