Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending Principles

Pressure and Cover (20 mins)

Organization

Pitch is 30yds x 35yds, with 5 yard central zone.

Balls located centrally off to the side with the Coach.

3 teams of 5 in different colour bibs.

How to Play

The coach plays a ball in to one of the attacking team who attempt to connect 5 passes then they can transfer ball across to other grid to score a point, ball must stay below head height.

The defending team defends with 2 players against 5.

The 3 remaining defenders screen the central area and look to intercept passes.

Play 90 sec then rotate defending team.

Progression: on interception, teams change over.

Coach re-starts with ball in, attackers must get into central zone before applying pressure.

Coaching Points:

Stay switched on - immediate transition from attacking to defending

1st Defender tactics

a.Make a decision which way to show attacker

b.Curved run to show attacker one way or the other

c.Close down space early and quickly

d.Sideways on body position

e.Get low

f.Stay on feet

g.Watch the ball

h.Be aggressive - initiate contact

2nd Defender Tactics

a.Communicate to 1st defender where to show the attacker

b.Provide cover

c.Be close enough to 1st defender to step in and engage attacker if 1st defender gets beat

d.Be aware of other attackers and dangerous space

SSG (20 mins)

SSG - Defending as a Team (20 mins)

Organisation

The pitch should be suitable size for your players, with a half-way line and 2 goals at either end.

Two equal teams (if possible), with 2 GK's.

Balls distributed beside goal to keep the game flowing when balls go out of play.

How to Play

Play a normal SSG with offside in effect.

Re-start from the GK when a goal is scored or ball goes out of play.

Coaching Points

Reinforce all previous points.