Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): BFL Girls Academy 16's

8v8 function looking at defensive roles (60 mins)

8v8 practice looking at the roles in defence with some attacking variation.

Game starts with a coach called one of the servers names to play out, aim of the blues is to score a goal. They can use any of the servers that they like to retain possession with the view of building the attack and not forcing it.

Reds cannot tackle the servers as we are looking at them keeping their discipline and shape to protect the goal. Intercept passes if you want but be wary of the space you leave in behind, pick the right time.

If the reds win the ball they score a point by getting it back to the server, we wont play throw ins we will just restart the drill but we will play corners. 

Free play for 5 mins to check set up.

Ask the attackers to focus play down through their wide players, with the aim of scoring from a cross in the crossing zones. If the crossing opportunity doesn't arrive recycle the ball through the CM's or servers and try the opposite flank. 

Look at the roles and responsibilities of the defenders on, off and around the ball.

Nearest FB to the ball engage the opponent and showing good mechanics and try to stop the cross don't be too keen to win the ball, try to force the play wide and away from goal with the aim of stopping any shot or crosses from coming in.

Other FB to come across and sit half and half and perform the same task if the ball gets switched. 

CB to pass the striker along as they move and other to drop 5 yards to sweep. 

GK to be vocal with the defenders and tell them what  they see.

When the ball does get into the scoring zone, remember the post, spot, post guideline for defending.

Now ask the attackers can they build the play through the middle, can they play a 1-2 pass with their CF before scoring a goal?

Now look at the role of the 3 CM's I want them to keep their shape and not follow the players around with the free CM looking to screen off the pass into the CF's feet. Don't be too keen to win the ball try and force it backwards and wait for a poor pass or poor 1st touch as the triggers to go and win the ball. DISCIPLINE!

Ask the wide players to drop deep to get the ball and either A, cross from deep if the FB does not press or B play 1-2 passes with the servers and have them clip balls in behind if they do press.

Now the CB needs to get across and cover the space if the pass is played, how do the other DF's react to this? and how can the DCM help? 

Opposite CB covers the front post and CDM covers the spot, FB stays at the back post as per the earlier drill.

Other CM's watch for cutbacks to the edge of the box.

Attackers can now do whatever they want to score a goal, mix it up!

I want to now look at the reds role in transition and what they do with the ball, remember possession is the best form of defence. 

Use the GK if they are free but do not put them under pressure, safety first.

FB's get high and wide as quickly as possible.

role of the CDM as the pivot.

Other CM's to get further forward and create passing options to break the lines.

Now the defenders don't score a goal by passing to the servers, they have to keep the ball for as long as they can (using the servers) with the aim of besting their best score. 

lay 1-2 passes and have the servers clip balls in behind if they do press.