Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Defending in balance: counter-attack at pace

Skill Introduction (15 mins)

Frame

Good defending is about making play predictable and taking away the options that an attacker has; this practice will introduce players to (a) recognising cues and triggers to press (b) the importance of speed and angle of approach, and (c) the ways that we can make play more predictable.

Explanation

Introducing players to defending in equal numbers in various situations: 1v1, 2v2 & 3v3. Defenders pass to the attackers and call out the number of attackers they would like to play against (1, 2 or 3v3). The game itself is framed as competitive, players are given the opportunity to earn points for successfully defending the large goal; 1v1 = 3 points, 2v2 = 2 points, and 3v3 = 1 point. If Defenders win the ball they can counter-attack to score in the mini target goal for 1 bonus point. Rotate teams & keep a score on the tactics board.

Coaching Points

+ cues and triggers to press? - soft pass, heavy touch, weak foot, bouncing ball, facing backwards, already under pressure.

+ stop forward movement first, then make play predictable, but how? - discourage the pass, body position to show an attacker to his weaker side if possible. When the attacker slows down, close the distance.

+ team defending begins with thinking, communicating and working as two.

+ quickly to the ball, slow down at the ball, balance and get closer. Step across with your whole body, head to heel strong as steel.

+ put the attackers in a box where they can't get out.

+ shielding: wide base, arms up and out for balance and blocking - control the ball on safe side - always be scanning and checking for your escape route.

+ defenders, keep the ball in front of you and be aware of the space you leave behind you.

+ defending becomes easy when the team moves and works as a unit - squeezing, pressing, covering and re-balancing.

+ plenty of decisions and communication to determine roles of defenders; who's pressing, supporting, covering and balancing.

ST: progression (15 mins)

Progression - 2v2: attacker receiving with back to goal

Defenders, try and work on "this is my zone, this is your zone" - and you balance off each other. One is pressing and squeezing, the other is covering. Be determined and communicate.

Coaching Points

+ encourage creative movement from attackers - defenders must communicate to switch marker, left and right, forward and back.

+ marking tight, goal-side - see the player, see the ball.

+ ready for contact - arms up to balance and protect.

Skill Game (20 mins)

Frame

7v7 | to develop counter-attacking skills; encouraging players to break quickly, be positive and clinical. High repetition of counter attack opportunities from defending in and out of balance.

Explanation

Which GK I call now, play your two defenders. Once the GK has the ball and is ready to distribute, 2 midfielder team-mates in the box can break out into the full pitch; creating a 6v4 (+GK's). The remaining 2 opposition players must stay inside the box, but can defend in there to stop them playing centrally.

If the defenders win it, the 2 midfielder who came out, must return to the box and the opposition midfielders are free to roam.

Coaching Points

+ there is nothing stopping an attacker from dropping into the midfield area to receive on the half-turn to play it forward.

+ speed of the attack is crucial.

+ quick play to create attacking opportunities.

+ take advantage of the overload - use the extra man and attack at pace.

+ movements to attack space and receive (overlaps/underlaps/come short to spin in behind/go long to drop short & receive)

+ look for that killer pass: take as many players out of the game, as possible.