Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): WHU Academy - Session 2 - Individual and Unit Defending (Start Time: 2019-05-07 18:00:00)

Initial SSG (25 mins)

Initial SSG

5v5 + GK

Split space into 3

Ball starts from coach, played into centre third. 4v4 in centre third.

Combination play in order to play teammate into final third (2+ passes)

Player in final third takes CB on 1v1 to score (focus on individual defending)

Progressions:

1.Centre third - partner up with opposition player and may only defend said player.

2. Addition of recovering defender whenever ball played into final third (1v2)

3. Addition of additional attacker whenever ball played into final third (2v2)

Coaching Points:

1. Close Down - Proper Technique

2. Marking/Tracking - keep eye on ball and awareness when marking one's man

3. Pressure/Support - especially when 1v2

4. Screen/Cover - look for opportunities to force opponents to make mistakes

5. Balance - organization and communication

Final SSG (25 mins)

Final SSG

6v6 + GK (incorporate as many players as possible).

Open Play

Coaching Points:

1. Read the tactical cues of when to step and when to drop as a unit: Is the pressure, can we get pressure, or do we need to protect the goal and make play predicatable?

2. Ball side at all times, close the line and force the ball into to cover.

3. CBs and CM's need to communicate, provide direction, while also protecting the space in behind.

4. Pressure/Support - Pressure on the ball whenever possible, teammates to balance the space behind (tuck-in)

5. Screen/Cover - Screen the next pass (2nd/3rd defender), cover for pressing player

6. Balance - Maintain balance at all times (slide, shift, tuck-in, drop, step)