Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending 1v1

Technical warmup

Organization:

as above

Instructions:

In pairs players try to tag their opponent's knees, whilst at the same time trying to avoid them tagging their own knees.

Knee tag: on eyecontact players run towards middle of channel and play knee tag

"Winners square"

Coaching Points:

Defending position

Get to the ball quickly

Slow down on approach

Body Position - slightly side on to the ball (force attacker where you want them to go)

Body shape - low (knees bent and on toes) and side on

Progressions:

Main Theme

Organization:

as above

Instructions:

1. Defender passes across to the attacker standing in the gate.

2. Defender presses after his pass.

3. Attacker looks to score on either of two goals.

4. If the defender wins the ball, he can counter by attacking the gate.

5. Play is over after someone scores or the ball goes out.

6. Players go back to their line and two new players begin the process.

7. Change roles after 2-3 minutes.

Coaching Points:

Fake a tackle to help them expose ball

Angle of approach - deny penetration as you pressure and force them where you want them to go

Reinforce previous

Progressions:

-Add a time limit to score.