Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending - Pressure and Cover

Warm-Up (15 mins)

Organization:

- 2 goals and an endzone on one side

- 7/11 on the outside for defensive team

- 4 teams of 3

Instructions:

- As soon as offensive player takes first touch, ball becomes live (1v1)

- Defender is looking to apply pressure and gain possession of ball to play outwide

- Offensive player must shoot before reaching endzone or else goal does not count

Coaching Points/Questions:

- Attacking ball with pace

- Proper defensive position when pressuring

- Toe pointed up when going in for tackle, locking ankle

- Communication - Attention - Pass

Regressions/Progressions:

- R : Defender starts at endzone

- P : 2v1

Conditioned Games (25 mins)

Organization:

- 2 goals on each end

- 2v2 + 2

- 3 minute games or 2 goals

- Rotate positions every 2 games

Instructions:

- Team in possession is looking to score with the help of the 7/11 on the outside of the field

- Outside players cannot step into game, have two touches to try and play ball back into teammate

Coaching Points/Questions:

- Identifying who is pressure & cover on defence

- Identifying what is around me when receiving the ball to make the best decision

- How can I counter quickly once winning the ball?

Regressions/Progressions:

R : 7/11 can come onto the field and help supporting team in possession of the ball

P : If 7/11 is played the ball, they are allowed to enter the game creating a 3v2