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

Technical, 1v1 defending (10 mins)

Organisation:

 Splats mark out thirds on the pitch, in the middle of each third there's a yellow splat and another 15M in front. 2 people line up behind each splat. Players on the outside start on the ball, they are the defenders for the drill. The defender plays the ball to the attacker once the attacker takes a touch the defender can press the ball, the defender is only allowed to defend passively. The attacker dribbles the ball until the outside line where they return the ball to the other defender who then repeats the process.

Aim:

 Aim for the defender is focus on their acceleration and deceleration and getting their body position in line with the ball. Attacker should be able to dribble the ball to the line with the defender shadowing them.

Coaching points:

 Mechanics: Get in line, acceleration to apply Pressure on the ball, deceleration, body position, on toes, be patient, decision.

Progressions/ Regressions:

 Progressions: Defender can press as soon as they make the pass, defender doesn't have to be passive and shadow the attacker.

Regressions: Attacker can't move until the defender is set in the correct body position in line with the ball.

Small Sided Game, Defending (25 mins)

Organisation

Use the pitch split into thirds. Goalkeeprs are optional, either both teams have 1 or neither. 6v6 in a 36x32m area divided into thirds.Both teams play 2-2-2. For odd numbers can have a neutral player who is allowed to float between zones and plays for the team in possession. Condition is that you can only shoot in the final 3rd, promting lots of 1v1 defensive situations.

Start with free play, add conditions, finish with free play.

 Aim

 Aim is to score more goals than the opposition.

 Coaching points

 Mechanics:Get in line, acceleration to apply Pressure on the ball, deceleration, body position, on toes, be patient, decision.

Communication, Cutting passing lanes. tracking runners

 Progressions/ Regressions

 Progressions: If a midfielder wins possession both midfielders are able to beak into the final 3rd, the defenders are allowed to track them into the attacking third also. Once possession is lost the midfielders must return to there position. Furthermore, the defender could move into midfield when this happens for realism. Could add that if any player wins possession they can enter the third in front of them.

Could add in 2/3 touch rules on players. Could add time limits to score once possession is won to encourage speed. Could add, only allowed to score in the 6 yard box.

Give each time 1 minute to discuss tactics and other ways to improve.

 Regressions: Teams must have at least 1 player in each zone at all times. Increase the size of the pitch.