Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 4 man line Defensive Shape Game (Jack Norbury)

Prog 1 (30 mins)

4 + 4 Two teams of 4 set up as above on a 8 x 25 yard grid inside a 45 x 45 gris with 2 wide goals at either end.

This session works your players as a defensive unit and focuses particularly on how they prevent turns, close gaps, cover and support each other and recover quickly if needed.

Stage 1: Server (coach) sends ball into the Yellow team (attackers) and Blue team reacts with pressure, cover balance. The Yellow player sends ball back to the server who sends it back in to a different Yellow player who's position the Blue players have to react to. After a set period of time the teams switch roles. Defenders do not tackle the ball put apply pressure.

Actions to watch for:

- Does a close quikly and tightly enough to the first attacker (player w/ball)?

- Does b or b's get into good supporting cover positions?

- Does c shift in and keep the line and pretect the inside passing chanel to the attackers wide player?

Coaching Points:

-1. First have each of the four defenders, a, perform a closing down for a warm up.

-2. Add cover and support. (b&c)

-3. Pressing defender should get touch tight; "Put your hand on them." "Don't let the defender spin on." you.

-4. Prevent turning and through balls. "Your not only marking a man you are marking space."

-5. Recovery. Attackers can try to score on either of the wide goals. If the line is broken can the defenders recover quik enough to deny a goal. "the second the ball is behind sprint back and look for your man and then the ball." Don't get caught ball watching. If you are turned dropoff and take away the attackers space.