Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): YDP_P4 Defending in Midfield 1-3-4-1 diamond

Skill Development (15 mins)

Set up:

Group split off into pairs and have a box each. Square should have a space in between each one to avoid a collision

Description:

First pairs practice the art of 1v1 defending. Coach encouraging players to learn coaching points below.

Progression:

Once players get used to the correct defending methods make the exercise a ladder with a top square and a bottom square. Players have 90 second scrimmages where players get a point every time they dribble over end line. If the defender steals the ball and counters they get 3 points instead of 1. At the end of the 90 seconds the player with the most points moves up one square and loser moves down one square. The only two people who do not move are the winner in the top square and the loser in the bottom. In the event of a tie it is a one time only rock, paper, scrissors game (not best of 3!)

Coaching Points:

4 P's of defense (Pressure, Position, Patience and Power)

Pressure - Run straight at defender or how to angle run to force a player into one direction

Position - The correct body position to attempt to win the ball back

Patience - Don't lunge in pick a good moment to win the ball (visual cue of attacker taking a bigger touch)

Power - When to attempt to win the ball and how to be strong and safe in the tackle

POP (15 mins)

Set up:

8v8

Description:

Using half a field field is divided into 6 zones. Ball starts with coach in middle who will play the ball to white midfield. White have to achieve 4 passes to penetrate to forward in the attacking 3rd of field. They can use the full backs to help support. After 4 or more passes they can penetrate into final 3rd and it becomes a scrimmage. The white full backs are first not allowed to penetrate but can be defended against.

Progression: Full backs can penetrate.

Coaching Points:

Press when ball is in channel (spider press)

Drop when ball is in middle unless organized and numbers up

Communication and organization as a team (visual commands as well as 'drop, press, win it or delay')

SSG (20 mins)

Set up:

Team divided up in to two for a 6v6 scrimmage

Description:

Regluar scrimmage

Coaching Points:

All the above. Try and find one or two coaching points in a real enviroment