Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending

Technical

Organisation

1) A square area of 15m x 15m per group

2) 4 players in each group (2 x reds and 2 x blues)

3) 1 Player in each corner

Instruction

1) Player 1 starts with the ball, passes ball accross to player 2.

2) Player 2 received the ball and passes it to player 3.

3) Player 2 then becomes the defender and player 3 is the attacker.

4) Player 3 scores by stopping the ball on player 2's corner cone.

5) Once player scored or ball goes out, player 3 then starts with the ball, plays it accross to player 4 who then playes it accross to player 1.

6) Player 4 then becomes the defender and player 1 is the attacker.

7) To begin with no tackling, just put pressure on player - ensure technique is correct before progressing.

Mechanics

1) Get in line

2) Pressure on the ball

3) Deceleration

4) Body position

5) Stay on toes

Small-sided game

Organisation

1) An area size of 20m x 30m

2) A 6v6 match

Instruction

1) The attacking team score by getting the ball past the defense to score in either goal

2) The defensive team score by getting the ball off the attacking team and scoring in either goal.

3) 2 players from each team remain close to the goal and they must defend it.

4) Focus on the defenders and their technique. Reinforce mechanics of defending.