Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Defending in Middle Third

7 v 6 Def Press, Cover, Balance (25 mins)

Exercise Rules

6 v 6 - Both teams attack mini goals - 3 consecutive restarts for red when not enough reps are provide.

FOCUS TEAM- Team Function

Defending-

  Objective - Stay organize and double team opponent on the outside channel

Team Tactical Principles

Stay compact • Pressure/cover/balance • Outnumber

Player Actions

• Defenders - Single line (position) - about 10 yards apart (position) 
• #2/3 -When #7 and 11 are dribbling towards our block, run forward and force the opponent inside (moment/direction) to initiate double team -Take angled (position) and cover the opponent's dribbling foot 
• #6/8 - cover the spaces centrally (position) and in front of back four -out number and double team opponent when 
• #2/3 initiate press (moment/position/speed) #4/5 -Cover diagonally and back your outside back teammate (position) when he presses the wings (moment)

OPPONENT TEAM

Team Function- Attacking

Objective

Possession to pass or dribble forward to create chances in the attacking third

Team Tactical Principles - Spread out • Pass, dribble, hold

Player Actions

• Central Midfielders -- Pass/dribble forward when there is an opportunity (moment & direction) - Open up space (position) - Switch play it when going forward isn't an option (moment & direction) Wings - dribble forward and take the outisde back on when there is an opportunity Switch play it when going forward isn't an option (moment & direction) - Create passing lanes when midfielders are under pressure (moment & direction)