Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Defending Part 4: Restarts / Set Pieces (Start Time: 18-Feb-2019 15:15h)

Warm Up (15 mins)

45yd x 35yd area; Play 5 v 5 plus GK's to small goals.

i) NO Restrictions

ii) Every out of bounds restarts with a throw in.

Defending Throw Ins:

- Defend Long: Defend down the line with Pressure (not too close) / Cover (Players 1 & 2)

- Defend Short: Don't allow the throw infield to feet with Cover / Balance (Player 3 & 4)

- Defend Back: Allow throw in backwards, then pressure immediately; curved run to block off the thrower (Player 4)

- Defend Across: Have a spare player covering the middle for a square throw in OR to block playing out of pressure (Player 5)

Coaching Points

1) Positioning Speed: How quickly do players get into position while always looking at the ball?

2) Job Roles: Are the players aware of their job roles? Do they make it hard for the opposition?

3) Regain Possession: If challenging for the ball, do they face infield to avoid giving away another throw in further down the pitch?

Activity Two (15 mins)

Using 1/2 Field, Play 7 v 7 plus GK's to big goals

i) NO Restrictions

ii) EVERY out of bounds restarts with a free kick 35yds from goal

Defending Free Kicks: Into the penalty area

Designate a center back leader to call the defensive line.

1) Every defender make a 'T' with attacker. IE, Be close, be side on, see the ball and have your attackers shoulder pointed to your solar plexus.

2) Defensive leader stretches out his arms and says 'ON ME'. Every defender should be in a line with defensive leader and on their toes ready to react to a command.

3) As free kick taker steps up to serve the ball, defensive leader calls either of the following calls;

i) STEP: Every defender sprint forward 10-yards TOGETHER, raise their arm and call 'offside'?

ii) DROP: Every defender drop back 10-yards TOGETHER to defend the free kick.

iii) HOLD: Stay tight to your man in a T shape and block your man attacking the free kick. NO grabbing. Ball goes through to GK or out of bounds.

Coaching Points

1) Timing: Does defensive leader time the calls right to move his teammates correctly?

2) Responsibility: Does every player react together? Work as a team?

3) Controlled Aggression: Are players willing to win their physical battles with opponents to clear the ball?