Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): DEFENDING AS A BACKLINE: PHASE 1

1

Organization:

Half Field - Phase 1

4 Different colored pair of cones

Backline (2,3,4,5) = RED

1 Coach = Black

Activity:

- Coach calls out a color (orange, red, green, or yellow) and a direction (left, right)

- Nearest defender becomes the 1st defender and closes down attacker

- Rest of backline moves accordingly based on defensive principles

Objective:

To drill the defensive line so the players understand pressure, cover & balance (role of 1st, 2nd & 3rd defender)

Coaching Points:

- Pace at which the player is closed down

- Angle to close down attacker

- Positioning of backline

- Awareness of where the space is when shifting

- Awareness of where attacker is

- Communication

3

Organization:

Half Field - Phase 1

Backline (2,3,4,5) = Red

3 Attackers = Blue

1 Coach = Black

Activity:

- Coach pings pass out to one of the three blue attackers

- As soon as ball leaves coach's foot, the game is live

- Blue has one attack each pass from coach (If red intercepts or knocks ball out of play, etc, game is restarted from coach's pass)

- Red must win the ball and find outlets (PUGG goals)

- Backline must consider movement of attacker; trying to keep them offside or mark a run in behind

Objective:

To put the defenders in gamelike situations having to defend the ball, attackers, and space

Coaching Points:

- Pace at which the player is closed down

- Angle to close down attacker

- Positioning of backline

- Awareness of where the space is when shifting

- Communication

- Quality of pass to hit transitional outlet (PUGG)