Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 5 Monroe Soccer Travel THUNDER U17B - Compactness in defence (Start Time: 2014-05-01 20:05:00)

Technique (20 mins)

An area 40m x 30, marked by the cones into three areas.

Three teams, four players in each team. Four in red, four in yellow, four in blue.

Red team begin with the ball and pass amongst themselves, after four passes, they can then attempt to play the ball through to the Blue team.

The Yellows try to stay compact to prevent this happening. To do this they need to manoeuvre as group, and follow the movement of the ball, leaving minimal gaps for an attempted pass.

Game (20 mins)

Organization:

Two teams - 6v6.

Play from edge of 18 yd area to halfway line with three goals each side.

(If more players and space, play from 18yd to 18yd with a goal in each corner)

Instructions:

Teams play a normal game but can score by dribbling through any of three goals.

Coach will now focus on the role of the third defender (Balance)

Look at how effectively the team works the pressure, cover and balance.

Speed of rotation and how the roles change based on the position of the ball.

The weak side goal is a good tool to coach the balancing player.

Coaching Points:

Role of third defender is to provide balance away from the ball and protect against a pass from the first attacker to the weak side of field.

Third defenders cover space on the side of the field away from the ball and also track runners who run at space behind the defense.

Recognise that a defensive role can change in a fraction of a second with a simple pass from one offensive player to another.

Progressions:

Play 7v5 in attackers favour

Finish with conditioned 6v6/7v7 in open area/half field to one goal, (Defence v Offense)