Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defensive principles - in to out - react, recover, regain!

1v1s (20 mins)

Focus + Session design

• 1v1 Transition game (U13) x 3
• 12 x 18-yard practice
• As soon as attack finishes, attacker becomes defender against new player, needs to react and recover
• 2min game - 30sec rest 
• Strength based - high intensity

Progressions/Regressions

• You have to score in the end-zone, encouraging you to get in front and stay in front of defender. Also increases recovery distance which is aim

Coaching detail

• Desire and determination to recover and regain - never give up. 
• Once back in, get side on, low, force one way and be hard to beat. Time moment you look to engage, don't jump in. 

SSG

Focus + Session design

• SSG with the emphasis on reacting on turnover and regaining
• U13 with mini goals, U15 with big goals and GKs
• Pitch as seen above, with half-way line
• 1 or 2 neutral players
• Must have 1 player from each team in each half at all times
• If defending team regain possession, can they transfer over to opposition half to attack

Progressions/Regressions

• May make a set amount of passes on transition that you have to make before transferring ball across. 

Coaching detail

• Move together out of possession defending in our half, prevent central passes and aim to force wide
• When ball goes out wide or we see a trigger, first defender to make contact, secondary defenders anticipate next pass. Be aggressive. When regain look to play forward quickly and get across. 
• When attacking team lose the ball, can they counter-press to prevent forward passes. If ball transferred, react, recover, get back in. 

Individual Development + Challenges

• 9 - can you look to pin to set and spin. Be strong in your hold-up play.