Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): (Pro Dev) Defending as a Unit

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Defending as a unit

Practice organisation

-Half pitch with target gates marked on half way & goal at one end, set out as illustrated

-14 players (Including GK), with Neutral players who are available for D’s as support on regaining possession.

-Practice starts with: Coach to feed ball into Attacking team’s FB.

-One N supports FB as play advances to make 6v4 & 2 N’s

-If defenders gain possession; they play ball to either of the 2N’s or Target player, positioned on half way.

-Objective is then to break out from defence to play through either of the target gates on half way.

Detail

-Depth of back 4 units according to circumstances.

-Movement; laterally, diagonally & vertically in response to movement of ball by opponents.

-Individual decisions as to who presses supports & covers.

-Communication & Co-ordination of defensive unit, including GK.

-On regain of possession; ensure possession is retained, whether building an attack or counter-attacking.

-Simple progression for this practice is:

-- Add 2 recovering D’s to practice, once ball has travelled 20yds into defending half of field.

Key coaching Points

-D’s play zonal defence (4v6)

-Distance between back 4 players & Coordinate movement of unit.

-D;s maintaining composure on change of possession.

-Controlled competitive attitude from D’s to unsettle attack.