Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending

Technical Warm Up (15 mins)

Set up a 30 x 30 or 40 x 40 grid and would depend on age of players. Sort players out with a minimum of 2 in each line in the middle.

Activity will be wherever the ball is passed whether it goes to B to A or back to A to B etc the player in the middle quickly steps out to close the ball down. That player who passed the ball will quickly take the place in the middle. Example: If B passes to A player 2 will quickly put pressure on the ball and when ball is passed to player C player 3 will quickly pressure the ball and could go either direction. Player A and B would then be in the middle line. Only use 1 ball and keep the speed of play going and challenge the player in the middle to put pressure to prevent from passing a certain way.

Coaching Points:

Immediate Pressure and Type of Pressure

Angle of Approach and Stance

Reading the Pass

6 v 5 Goal to Counter (20 mins)

6 v 5 +1 as the counter and can start play. Will coach the #2, #3, #4, #6, and #8.

Play will start at the top at midfield by neutral player. Defensive team will keep good defensive shape to win the ball to counter goal or pass to their target who is also the supporting player for the attacking team.

Focus is on shape and communication with teammates.

Angles of approach as well as type of pressure and delay

Forcing a player to covering defending

Type of Pressure as well as control and restratint

Connect the lines with Pressure, Cover, and Balance