Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): Defending Part 5 Pressing from the Front (Start Time: 2019-02-26 11:40:00)

Warm Up (15 mins)

In a 48yd x 30yd area, devided into 4-sections; position 16-players as shown above. Game starts from the coach

 i) Coach plays ball to white team in section B. 2-blue players from section A defend the ball (4v2). White team attempt to poassess, make 3-passes and play forward to other white team.

ii) IF defenders win the ball OR ball goes out of play, defenders return to their section and coach restarts with a change of possession. Arrows indicate which group defends opponents.

iii) Each successful possess switch = 1pt; first to 5-pts win. Penalty / incentive for losing team. Rotate teams into different sections every 3-4 minutes.

Coaching Points

1) 1st & 2nd defenders: Is pressure & cover established when playing 4v2? Is it effective? Is play dictated by defenders? Are they successful?

2) 3rd & 4th defenders: Are covering players in balance & depth moving in relation to the ball? Are they communicating? Working together? Effective at blocking forward passes?

3) Transition Speed: When ball is lost or gained, how quick do players react? Is transition speed quick enough to disrupt opponents? Is it successful?

Activiy Two (20 mins)

Using Half-Field + 10yds, with two counter goals; set up a back 4, three center mids & GK (8) against a front three attacking players and three center mids (8v6) as shown above.

i) Ball starts with the GK rolling out to defenders:- blue (GK pass to defenders is free).

ii) Play 8v6 to goal / counter goals.

Coaching Points

1) Defending as a Unit: Do players work together as a unit to deny penetration?

2) Recovery Runs: If penetrated, can immediate pressure be reapplied and recovery runs made to get back in good defensive shape?

3) Reading the Game: Knowing when to press, when to slide, when to drop? Communicating and moving accordingly.