Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending with a Back 4 - Communication & Leadership.

Introduction

Organisation:

Create 3 lines on the pitch, approximately 10 yards apart, with the final line only 5 yards from the half way line. Place back 4 on Line 2 to begin.

Aim:

Introduction to One Word Commands;

At intervals, Coach shouts out one of the one word command and players react accordingly:

Push UP - Advance couple of yards.

OUT 10 - Players sprint out 10 yards to the next line.

HOLD - Players retain their positions.

SHIFT LEFT - Players move left with furthest player in line with goal post.

SHIFT RIGHT - Players move right e.t.c.

DROP OFF - Players move backwards 10 yards.

GET TIGHT - Players stay very close to opposition players

RECOVER - Players get back into their position.

BLOCK - Players put in a challenge to sop the ball getting past them.

I GO - Player moves towards opposition to close opposition down.

MAN ON - Player has limited time on the ball as opposition player is clossoing him down.

PRESS - Player applies immediate pressure on the ball / opposition player.

COVER - Player provide support behind a team mate that's applying pressure on the ball / opposition player.

Progression:

Players take turns to lead the line.

Skill Practice 2

When to Hold the line or Push Up.

A. Attackers have the ball BUT good pressure being exerted by a teammate (even if there are penetrating runs) HOLD OR PUSH UP

B. Attacker has the ball BUT no team mate is pressing BUT no penetrating runs either HOLD OR PUSH UP

C. Attackers have the ball BUT no pressure BUT attacker has his head down HOLD OR PRESS

D. If attackers pass the ball backwards - PUSH UP

E. We win possession and play the ball forward PUSH UP OR OUT

How far do we push up if the attackers pass backwards?

Depends on the distance of the ball from the back 4 and the immediate pressure on the next player receiving the back pass. It could be a substantial step up from the back and could leave the attackers offside.

What if there's doubt as to whether to DROP or HOLD? If in doubt, always drop to be on the safe side.

Functional Practice

Functional - Defending with a Back 4 - Use of One Word Commands.

Organisation:

Half pitch. Place cones midway between penalty area and half way line as a guide - infield cones should be in line with the edge of the penalty area and penalty spot.

Players are divided into two teams - 6 Reds (1- 4-1) and 4 Blues set up in a 1-3.

Aims:

Blue back 4 to become accustommed to use of one word commands:

Push UP.

OUT.

HOLD.

SHIFT.

DROP.

Functional Practice allows defensive unit to practice when to drop, when to hold the line and when to push up as a unit.

Instructions:

- Back 4 should try not to drop behind the line of cones.

- Back 4 to stay tight and compact - all within width of the penalty area.

- If the attack comes down either wing, unit must SHIFT across with the furthest defender being in line with the far post.

- Blues move the ball around quickly vertically and horizontally to disorganize Red and score on the large goal.

- When Reds win possession, they must look to score in the counter goals.

- Cones represent offside lines and Reds starting position.

- The coach serves the ball into Blues to start the activitiy and also varies where the ball is played to on restarts.