Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Introduction to Defending

1 v 1 (10 mins)

Set Up

Use both ends of pitch if available

1 GK, Players then split up as even as possible.

Blue attackers approx 20 from goal (can vary with age/ ability)

Red defenders with ball start next to goal with a ball

Small goal just in front of the attackers.

Detail

The defender plays a pass to the blue attacker (pass to be played through the small goal).

The defender then closes down the attacker to prevent them from getting a shot on target.

The attacker will try to score in the big goal.

If the defender wins the ball can they score in the small goal.

Rotate sides to keep play flowing.

Players to rotate so they practice defending from both sides

Progressions

Change distances/ angles from goal.

Time limit to play

Change overloads 2v1 etc

Coaching Points

Attitude to defend (switch on as soon as the ball is lost)

Apply pressure to ball (angle/ speed/ distance etc)

Be paitent (delay/ deny/ destroy)

Pressing in small groups (20 mins)

Set Up

Area approx 20 x 20 with 5 channels at each end.

Players orgnanised in 3s at each end

Groups approx 5 from each other

Detail

Coach plays in ball to a team.

The team proceed to attack opponents 3 v 3

They attempt to move the ball into the target zone under control.

Play stops when either team score or ball goes out of play.

Progressions

Add nutral players on outside to aid team in possession

Add target player in target zone ( defenders will have to consider screening)

Coach varies service (fast/ slow/ air etc)

Coaching points

Pressing distance, stance and balance.

Support distance, depth, angle and team balance

Tracking runners

Early decision to attack or defend

Take personal responsibility for opponent

Concentration