Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Intercept Defending 10 Mins

Intercepting 10 Mins

Area: 20x20 yards
Equipment: Balls, Bibs & Cones
Players: 5v5

Objective ; To apply pressure to the opposition player and intercept passes in order to regain possession to Transition to attack and use correct defensive technique

Method:
Red Players must maintain possession in the grid and score by passing through the red cones
Blue players must attempt to intercept at the cones,  immediately apply pressure to the Red player in order to regain possession(T2D)
The Blue player slows down on approach and implements defensive stance( side on, low down , hand out )or goes in for a slide or block tackle 
If the Blue players regain possession, they must immediately score in any of the 4 small goals to get a point (T2A)

Coaching Points;
1. Apply pressure early, sprint as fast as possible and engage in close proximity to defender
2. Slow down on approach to opposition and use defensive technique stance, side on, low down, hand out.
3. See which foot is your opponents most preferred, show them onto their least preferred foot
4. Maintain central position to protect your goal and force player out wide. Use the side-line to your advantage as "2v1" situation
5. Pressing triggers ; poor first touch, closed body shape, slow pass received

R&R 2 Mins

Method:

Coaching Points: