Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending in a Low Block / Attacking Low Block

Profile Summary

Name:	Rob Cross
City:	Bedfordshire
Country:	United Kingdom
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Description

Overall Description

This session focuses on defending compactly in a low block and recognising attacking solutions to break down a compact defence. Players first develop key defensive and transition behaviours through a Principles DNA practice before applying them in a small-sided game. The defending team focuses on protecting the central corridor, maintaining compact distances, and delaying attacks. The attacking team is encouraged to solve the tactical problem by creating width, moving the defensive block, and recognising opportunities to penetrate. The practice provides repeated exposure to defending and attacking against a compact structure.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Back to Back Goals

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Back to Back Goals

Back-to-Back Goals

Organisation

Area: 20x20

Players: 5v5 inside the area

Neutrals: 2 outside players on opposite sides

Equipment:

Two mini goals placed back-to-back in the centre

Coned square playing area.

Practice

Two teams compete inside the area. The attacking team attempts to score in either of the central mini goals. The defending team protects the central space and prevents scoring opportunities.

If the defending team wins possession, they can break out by playing to one of the outside neutral players before re-entering the game.

Play restarts with the coach or neutral when the ball leaves the area.

Coaching Focus

Protect the central corridor

Maintain compact distances

Quick reaction when possession changes

First forward pass after regain.

Progressions

Limit touches for attacking team

Award double points for scoring within 5 seconds of regain

Allow neutrals to play one-touch to encourage quick transitions.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Defending Low Block → Counter

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Defending Low Block → Counter (20 mins)

SSG: Defending in a Low Block to Counter

Practice Set-Up

Format: 6v6 (+ GK optional)

Area: 45 × 40 yards (half-pitch width)

Organisation:

The defending team adopts a 2‑3‑1 shape, replicating our 4‑5‑1 mid‑block behaviours. The two centre-backs protect central space while the midfield three (wide – 6 – wide) screen the central corridor. The 9 sets pressing direction and prevents central entry. The attacking team builds in a 2‑3‑1 and attempts to break the block.

Conditions / Constraints:

Defending team must start in a mid-block and cannot press inside the opposition defensive third.
Maintain 10–12 yard vertical unit distances.
On regain, the team has 6 seconds to counter.
Double goal if scored within 8 seconds of regain.