Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): CL U16 Defending as a Unit

Main Theme (20 mins)

Organization:

Use half field

3 lines of 4 cones horinzontally in different colors are set 8 yards apart

2 lines of 3 cones on the widths in between the lines

4 defenders

Instructions:

Players are assigned a number by the coach

When their number is called they must press while the others allign in cover and balance

They player also move based on the color called, for example "blue 3"

Coaching Points:

First defender presses in their zone to shorten space

Seconder defender decides where to provide cover

Balance provided by other two defenders

The three defenders not pressuring the ball must stay in a line

Communication: "I got ball" "shift left/right" "step" "drop"

Move up the field together

Progressions:

Conditoned Game (25 mins)

Organization:

Use same field as Main Theme

Adding goal in the center of the field

6v6(+GK) (2 from each team must stay in their half of the field, 2 can cross over)

Instructions:

2 center backs must stay in their half

Defense can score point by passing to other half of field after gaining possesion

Another point can be scored by scoring a goal (white team)

Another point can scored by dribbling through gate or passing into small goal

Coaching Points:

In 18 yard box do not drop back to a second line, stay in one line

Press immediatley

Communication

End product: Counter after gaining possesion, transition

Progressions:

Play 7v7 with no conditions