Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Close Direct Goal Channels (Protect the Goal) (Start Time: 2025-10-07 05:30:00)

PTDM: Close DGC (25 mins)

Training Objectives: Who: Primary Player - #4, #5, #6 & #1 Secondary Players. When: The opposition is possession of the ball in and building up an attacking in the middle of the field Where: Central goal channels in the middle and defensive third, top of the penalty box. What: Improving the team's ability to apply and understand the principles of defending (pressure, cover, balance, compactness, control and restraint. Denying space in behind and forcing the play away from the direct goal channels. Why: To prevent the opposition from creating scoring opportunities by maintaining a balanced defensive shape and remaining compact in the direct goal channels.

Sub-Principles:

- 2 channels

- Press/Cover/Balance

- Angle of Approach

Counter-Principle:

Target Areas/Optimal Areas.

Organization/Setup:

• 36 yard x 44 yard grid. Three teams of three players and one keeper. Two teams play in the grid with one team acting as bumper players. Bumper players cannot pass to each other. The attacking team scores in the big goal. Defensive team scores by winning possession and finding the bumper player at the top of the grid. Switch teams after 90seconds.

Coaching Points/Questions:

• Immediate pressure, not allowing time and space for the attackers to turn, body shape and angle (keeping an eye on the ball) second defender needs to be opened up so they can see both ball and man. Keeper stays connected with the defenders, #6 defends from the front but checks shoulders to cut out passing lanes.

Game (20 mins)

Training Objectives:

Who: Primary Player - #4, #5, #6 & #8, #1 Secondary Players - #10, #9.When: The opposition is possession of the ball in and building up an attacking in the middle of the fieldWhere: Centrally in the middle and defensive third, top of the penalty box. What: Improving the team's ability to apply and understand the principles of defending (pressure, cover, balance, compactness, control and restraint). Denying space in behind and forcing the play away from the direct goal channels. Why: To prevent the opposition scoring opportunities by maintaining a balanced defensive shape by remaining compact in the direct goal channels.

Organization/Setup:

• 9v9 including all FIFA rules. Defensive team plays in a 1-4-3-1 formation versus a 1-3-3-1 formation. Encourage the team you are coaching to defend the direct goal channels when the opponents are in possession. Try to win possession in central areas by intercepting the ball.

Sub-Principles:

- 2 channels

- Press/Cover/Balance.

- Angle of Approach.

Counter-Principle:

Target Areas/Optimal Areas.

Coaching Points/Questions:

• As previously mentioned in Stages I thru III. Allow players to play and make decisions for themselves.