Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending Principles Using 1v1, 2v2, 4v4

Exercise 1 (10 mins)

1v1 Diagonal Goals

The exercise starts with the red team passing the ball to the blue team. The defender must begin by covering the goal then approach the defender. If the defender forgets to cover the goal, the attacker will have a straight line to goal.

Objectives

For defenders to focus on covering the pass/shot then approaching the attacker. Remember to focus on only side of the ball.

We can focus on either attacking or defending. Reinforce previous defending principles (i.e body shape, knees bent, arm distance apart, approaching attacker at a good speed). Reinforce attacking principles (i.e dribbling, getting around defender quickly, deception)

Exercise 3 (20 mins)

4v4+2--3 Goals Each side

The exercise is played 4v4 in the area. Each team has 1 target. The attacking team may only score off the pass of the target.

Objectives

Defenders should stay in their zone while covering their goals. Defenders should also work together to provide pressure, cover, and balance. Because a goal can only be scores off the pass of the target, defenders must all recover once the ball is played to the target.