Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Sounders Week1 Defending Principles (Start Time: 2015-04-13 15:30:00)

Warm up (20 mins)

Organization:

30x20 yard area

Each player has a ball

Instructions:

Player react to the call of the coach.

The coach calls out a number and the player does the action which relates to this number.

1 - right foot on top of the ball

2 - left foot on top of the ball

3 - change direct with the outside of right foot

4 - change direction with the outside of left foot

5 - perform dragback/pullback with right foot

6 - perform dragback/pullback with left foot

7 - outside cut with either foot

8 - inside cut with either foot

9 - scissor move

10 - toe touches & boxes

11 - cryuff turn

Coaching Points:

Keep ball close to ensure quick reactions to the coach's call.

Keep head up when dribbling as to not crash with other players.

Applying Pressure (25 mins)

Organisation:

- With players already paired up, each pair gets a ball.

Instructions:

- Players work in groups of two.

- Passing ball back and forth.

- On the fifth pass the player making that pass (defender) applies pressure to the other (attacker).

- The player making the first pass will start pressing other player.

- Return

Coaching Points:

- Speed of approach.

- Angle of approach - deny penetration as you pressure.

- Body Position - slightly side on to the ball (force attacker where you want them to go).

- Slow down on approach.

Progressions:

- Attackers will start to attack as the coach observes the positioning and adjustments the defenders make to the movements of the ball.