Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending Principles - Individual, Group & Team Defending

Part I: Defending in Pairs

Organization

- 18 x 18 area set up as shown

- 6 players (4 Attackers & 2 Defenders)

- 5 x 5 central zone marked as shown

- 1 Target Ball place on cone inside central zone

- 1 Ball in play

Activity

- Attacking Players who play on two touch maximum aim to circulate the ball around the outside of area & shoot the ball off the cone in the central target zone

- Defenders must work together to move as the ball move & block any potential shots at the ball

- Attackers can pass the ball in any direction around or across the area

- After a set time rotate the Defenders out

Coaching Points

- ANGLES: approach the Attacker/ball with purpose & correct body shape/angle

- AGGRESSIVE: defend as a pair with agression & skill. Intensity & focus when defending

- CONNECTED: keep together as a pair & communicate to ensure you stay/work together

- INTERCHANGE: Pressure (1st Defender) & Cover/Support (2nd Defender) at all times

- INTERCEPT: be alert & ready for shot coming in. Observe Attackers body shape for clues?

Progressions

P - If Attackers make 6 passes they score a point. Defenders score points if they force mistake

Part III: Defending as a Unit 3v3

Organization

- 30 x 30 playing area split into two, set up as shown

- 10 Players (3 Attackers & 3 Defenders active)

- 4 Mini Goals set up as shown

- 1 Ball (additional on outside)

Activity

- Players are split into two teams & play 3v3 across two fields

- Attacking team start with the ball & enter playing area with the aim to score in mini goals at opposite end

- Attacking players are free to move anywhere across the playing area (both fields)

- Defending players are numbered 1-3. Players 1 & 3 must stay on their ide of field while Defender 2 can move between fields to assist & provide support

- If Defending team with the ball the roles are reversed & they now aim to score at other end

- Play continues until a goal is scored or ball goes out of play. After set time rotate players

Coaching Points

- PRESSURE: close down the space quickly & deny penertration

- DIRECT: try to dictate the play one way & make it predictable

- CONNECTED: keep together as a unit & communicate to ensure you stay/work together

- ROLES: Pressure (1st Defender), Cover (2nd Defender) & Balance (3rd Defender)

- MENTALITY: keep on task & focused as a unit. Be patient & wait for right time to win ball

Progression

P - Defenders pass ball out toAttckers to begin play

P - Time limit for Attackers to score (Block)

P - Time limit for Defenders to win the ball (Press)