Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending in a low block (Start Time: 2024-10-11 18:45:00)
FAW Coach Ed
Jason Calder-Mclaren
Description
Organisation (Practice Layout & Transition)
Half Pitch
Players: 18 players (11 attackers, seven defenders)
Goals:
- The main goal is to defend the 18-yard box.
- Three small goals are positioned on the halfway line (representing different transition targets).
- Formation:
- Defending Team (7 players): 5-2 formation when out of possession, transitioning to a 4-3 attacking shape after regaining the ball.
- 5 defenders (3 centre-backs, two wing-backs)
- 2 midfielders supporting the back five
Defence set up
The defending team begins in a low block around the 18-yard box, with a compact back five and two midfielders screening just before the defence.
The attacking team tries to break down the low block by maintaining possession and attempting to penetrate the defence via crosses, passes, or shots from outside the box. Defenders stay compact, which does not allow attackers to find space.
Once the defending team wins the ball, it must quickly transition from a 5-2 defensive shape into a 4-3 attacking shape.
The goal is to counter-attack swiftly by passing or dribbling into the available space and scoring on the three small goals on the halfway line.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
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Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions): Limit the attacking team's number of touches outside the box (3 touches) to encourage quick play and give defenders more opportunities to win the ball.
Switch players between defence an attack to understand roles
Challenges, Conditions or Targets:
Defensive discipline - stay compact
Fast transition - quick decision making
Positional awareness - defenders knowing when to step up, midfielders knowing when to drop in and step up