Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Session 7 - Defending In Pairs

Practice Layout

Topic: Defending In Pairs

Organisation:-

Large white coned playing area measuring 25m x 25m split into two halves. 

2 x goals

A supply of approximately 10 balls

The practice will require 9 players throughout 

Skill (25 mins)

Topic: Defending In Pairs

Organisation:-

- 12m x 12m, 1 x goal

- 2 v 1, 2 v 2, 2 (+1) v 3 wave game

- play commences with red attackers making long pass to blue attacker who attacks the defenders (1 v 2)

- defenders try to stop attackers scoring 

- after ball successfully defended or goal scored, attacker leaves area and two players from the attacking team now attac (2 v 2)

- after ball successfully defended or a goal scored, two attacking players leave and now three attacking players enter. After 5 seconds and on the signal of the coach, the 3rd red defender can make a recovery run and make a 3 v 3 situation

- after the three attacks change roles

Technical:

1 v 2

- defenders should be more aggressive and both should press the ball to try and gain possession

- angles of approach to block shots

- 2nd defender cover behind in case ball is played around/past 1st defender

2 v 2

Defender nearest ball:

- close down ball as quickly as possible

- decelerate on approach and check shoulder to identify movement of 2nd attacker

- angle run to shut down passing lane

- body position

- push player to outside

2nd Defender:

- covers behind

- maintain correct distance between them and 2nd attacker to not allow them to get a run on them but close enough to engage quickly if a pass is made 

3 v 3

- delay. Defender nearest ball presses but maintains position between attacker and goal to stop shooting opportunities and slow down attackers momentum 

- both defenders remain compact

- 2nd defender should look to restrict passing options and try to isolate widest attacker. Can we basically make it a 2 v 2?

- maintain distance from attacker to deny penetration.

- be prepared to close down his own attacker should a pass be made

- both defenders - can they dictate the attack - force attackers one way so recovering defender can predict/read the situation.