Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 1v1 Defending Technique

Defending Activity (15 mins)

1 v 1 Technical Defending (15 Minutes)

Equipment Needed: 8 cones, 6 balls,

Position the cones creating 3 rectangles 8-10 yards wide and 15-20 yards long.

Split players into 2 groups (attackers and defenders) and place 2 players of each group at the ends of each rectangle.

Activity 1:

Attackers dribble in a straight line at a slow pace towards the defenders.

Defenders run out to "close down" attacker. Focus is not on winning the ball at this stage but rather proper close down technique: Attackers continue dribbling slowly in a straight line while defenders "jockey" backwards all the way to the defenders cones. Once the attackers reach defender cones, they dribble around the outside back to starting position and next row goes. Repeat 3 times then switch attacking and defending group.

Key points: Close down with speed, Defender Body position, spacing from attacker, "jockeying" backwards, eyes on ball, on your toes.

Progression 1:

Attackers pick up dribbling pace (still in a simple straight line) forcing defenders to react more quickly to the ball and position. Still no attempt should be made to win the ball at this stage

Key points: Close down with speed, Defender Body position, spacing from attacker, "jockeying" backwards, eyes on ball, on your toes.

Progression 2:

Defenders now try to win the ball from the attacker at an appropriate time. Attackers  should be encouraged to attempt to make a move to try and beat the defender at this time

Key points: Close down with speed, Defender Body position, spacing from attacker, "jockeying" backwards, eyes on ball, on your toes. appropriate time to challenge.