Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending Basics

1v1s (20 mins)

1v1s

Set Up:

-Set up as many rectangles as there are pairs (~5mx10m)

-Each pair must have a ball

How To Play:

-Each player stands at the end of the shorter side of the area (as shown above)

-The defender starts with the ball and then passes to the attacker on the other side of the area

-The attackers aim is to dribble to the end of the area and the defenders aim is to stop them

-A point for the attacker for every time the ball reaches the end

-After ~5mins switch who is attacking and who is defending

Key Coaching Points:

-Make sure there is a change of pace from the defender who must get to the attacker quickly but slow down in enough time

-Make sure they are set and low

-Make sure they are side on - further to force them to play one way (explain why the weaker foot would be better)

-Talk about triggers - e.g. only step in when the attacker takes a bad touch

Remeber the 3 Ss: Slow down, Shut down, Sit Down

Half Pitch Game (25 mins)

Half Pitch Game (Focus On Defending)

Set Up:

-Split the group in to attackers and defenders

Coaching Points:

-Make sure the aspects we have worked on are put into practice

-Closing quickly, covering, 1v1s, the 3 Ss etc