Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): DEFENDING LATE

DEFEND THE GATES (25 mins)

Set Up: * 15x10 grid 

             *  (3) Gates - 2 on either end & 1 on the opposite side  

             *  (2) Teams (1 attacking & 1 Defending) Attacking team will start across mid grid

                 Defending Team will start beside the middle gate 

             * Enough balls to supply each player

Instructions:  * When the coach says "go", the defending team  will make a pass to the attacking team (green) who will then try to dribble the ball through one of the three gates. The defender must arrive and get between the attacker and the gate.                                                                       *  If the defender wins the ball, the play stops    

                      * 1 point will be awarded for dribbling through the side gates and 3 points will be 

                        awarded if an attacker makes it through the central gate  

Focus: (Defending) Delaying the run of attacker with the ball and denying them the opportunity to advance with it.    

            (Defending) Acceleration to close down space, body positioning, (angled & low)

Progressions: * Defender can score if they win the ball

                       * Smaller grid for greater difficulty, or larger grid to make attacking easier

                       * Add in gates on the opposite ends of the grid

                       * Progress to 2v2 or 3v3