Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending like Van Dijk (full session)
FAW Coach Ed
Kieran Maj
Description
Players take part in a game-based practice focused on 1v1 defending situations. The objective is to prevent attackers from scoring by defending with control, patience and good decision making.
The session is inspired by Virgil van Dijk, focusing on his ability to stay calm, delay attackers and win the ball at the right moment. Players are encouraged to adopt strong defensive body positions, force play away from goal and time their tackles effectively.
The practice is designed to maximise engagement, repetition and enjoyment, while developing key defensive skills in realistic scenarios.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
Organisation
- Area: 20x15m
- 4 equal channels
- 2 small goals
- Players work in pairs (1 attacker, 1 defender)
- Attacker starts with the ball and attempts to score
- Defender aims to stop the attacker and win possession
- If defender wins the ball, they can score in the opposite goal
- Rotate roles regularly
- Multiple balls around the area to maintain tempo
- Players restart quickly after each repetition to maintain high tempo and maximise engagement.
1v1 directional game where attackers attempt to score and defenders aim to stop them using good positioning, patience and timing. Emphasis is placed on delaying the attacker, controlling space and choosing the right moment to win the ball.
Coaching Points
- Stay calm and don't dive in
- Get into a side-on (low) defensive position
- Force attacker away from goal or onto weaker side
- Stay patient and delay
- Time the tackle (don't rush)
- Can you stop the attacker from scoring?
- Can you delay them for 3-5 seconds?
- Can you win the ball at the right moment?
- Can you force them away from goal?
Interventions
- Individual coaching during play
- Use questioning: "When is the right time to tackle?"
- Short, sharp feedback
- Positive reinforcement linked to Van Dijk behaviours
PROGRESSION
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
Objective:
Apply defending in a game
Organisation:
4v4
Small pitch
2 goals
Conditions:
- Defenders get 2 points for winning the ball cleanly in their defending half
- If you win the ball, you have 5 seconds to score
Coaching Focus:
- Can you delay attackers?
- Can you defend like Van Dijk in a game?
- Can you choose the right moment to tackle?
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TECHNICAL PRACTICE (Unopposed → Low Pressure)
Objective:
Introduce body shape, movement, and control
Organisation:
Practice:
Coaching Points: