Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defensive Organization: Loading game model: Focus on triggers and organization Part 2

Activation: DO: 2v2 set, force and lock opposition (15 mins)

Defensive Orgainzation: Set, force

Set up: Use a roughly 15x15 grid or you can use the 18-yard box sideline to the sideline.

Description: A defensive player passes the ball to an attacking player. The two defenders must then work to force the attacking players away from the goals.

Four blocks of two minutes.

Key details:

First defender makes an angled run to force away from a goal

Protect the target area behind them with an angled run

Close down and offer pressure. Can you force them into the far half?

Second defender joins and helps first defender. Aware of the second attacking player, but do not mark tightly.

Defenders are connected and dictate where the opposition can move the ball.

Wait for pressure triggers

Remember body shape

If ball is passed, then second defender switches and becomes first defender and locks away from goal.

Whole: Murder ball (15 mins)

Whole: Murder ball

Time: 15 minutes

Set up: Depending on numbers and field size available, divide into two or three teams. Either 6v6 with (team of six waiting) and use a slightly smaller field. Or go 9v9 (and no subs) with a larger field.

Description: Coaches have all balls at the side of the pitch. The moment a ball goes out a new ball is played in. It can go to a specific team, the first player who calls for the ball, a player in open space. The ball does not stop.

Before game starts, coach outlines scoring matrix, i.e.:

Dominant foot shot: 1 point

Scoring after a penetrating pass: 2 points

Header: 3 points

Long shot from 15 yards out: 5 points

If on a smaller pitch with a team substituting, games last four minutes or first to five points. The losing team rotates.

If on a larger pitch with no subs, then games last four minutes or five to five points. The losing team must do push-ups/burpees.

After each game, the scoring grid can be changed by the coach or winning team.

The time between each game should not be more than one minute, so teams must move quickly. 

Second and third games: Teams secretly select their kill goal. If they score on that type of goal, the game automatically ends and they win. It must be a challenge and approved by the coach.

Key questions:

How can players move to create opportunities to score with a preference on goals worth more points?

What shape allows the attacking team the most opportunities to score? (Probe for width and depth)

How can attacking players create new space? (Probe for making runs in behind defenders)