Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending basics through to defending high SSG

Defending as an Individual (10 mins)

Each pair have their respective lanes. The exercise starts with one player passing the ball to their opposite player. that player receives the ball and then starts to RWTB/Dribble to opposite line which is now the 'De-Facto' end zone.

Show an example and highlight all of the points mentioned below.

The Defender will try and utilise the lines of the lane which represent the FoP. If they can dispossess the player and have a run on their end zone they are encouraged to do so. If they have just won possession but are not 'goal side' than that will be the end of that phase.

The Defenders are to press immeadiately on the oppositions first touch. They are to reduce their options by pressing and showing them the line or stop them coming forward. Encourage mistakes and always squeeze where possible.

Use the Defending principles where necessary. They are as follows

Pressure on the Ball, When? How? Where? Who?

Comms

Angles & Distance of Sp

Compact & narrow shape

Tracking runners

Decision making

After a minimum of 6 turns, change over. Each successful end zone reached, the player gets 1 point.

Progression, 2 v 2 or even 2 attackers v 1 defender, tweak the lanes to double the width if thats the case.

High press (15 mins)

18 players

6 (1-4-1) try to play out vs 3 pressing and 3 screening (Front 3 - MF 3)

If the ball is successfully played across - then the 3 screeners become the pressing players and the pressers then screen.

On receiving ball - team of 6 must complete a minimum of 2 passes.

1 point every time the ball is sucessfully played through central area.

If the ball transfers down the sides to maintain possession, this enables the 'out', however this does not score points.

Each team has 3 life's, giving away possession loses a life, lose all and then they become the defenders.

Progression -

1 (then up to 2) player(s) can drop into middle area from opposite side, replicating Midfield players looking to receive.

They can turn out and play themselves, or bounce back to then play forward.

Regressive points - If need be, utilise the GK and they can pick up and re-distribute as necessary.

Coaching points

9 split CB, dictate play 1 way. No aimless running, be clever in press - when can/can't

7/11 to split FB/CB Screen ball into #4, on front foot ready to press FB

Angle of pressure to show outside, do not let them play through middle.

Far side, tuck in to add balance

CMs - screen ball, slide across as the ball does. ANTICIPATE the oppositions ball play and act on the triggers.

(after progression) - be on front foot to press ball into midfield,

do not allow players to receive 'on your shoulder' and break lines