Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending from the front - Shadow Session

SET UP AND OBJECTIVE

Key Factors

Positioning

Timing of press

Body position to show out side

Comunication

Organisation

11 Players vs 11 Mannequins

Playing team 4-4-2

Mannequins 4-2-3-1

Coloured mannequins so as coach can call out colours as to where the ball would be on the pitch.

I.e 'Red RB' may be the call, the defending players would then have to move into position on how they'd defend if the opposition RB was on the ball.

Coach will look to manage players positioning with the aim being to regain possession as quickly and as high up the pitch as possible.

PROBLEM 2 & SOLUTION

Key Factors

Reduce opposition passing options

Apply pressure on and around ball

Win back possession

PROBLEM

2. Centre Back in possession Playing to full back

SOLUTION

Nearest striker to the ball goes across to center back in

possession his body angle showing the play outsideof him, the

other striker comes across to play on shoulder of deep lying

midfielder to stop him receiving the ball if he does he is under

pressure. Right Midfielder screens off pass to wide forward Left

(oppossition) to force play to the Left full back.

PROBLEM 4 & SOLUTION

Key Factors

Be aggressive

Players apply pressure around the ball

Off the ball players cover the space

Timing of press

Body position to show out side

Comunication

PROBLEM

4. WINGER RECEIVES BALL AFTER A SWITCH OF PLAY

SOLUTION

Nearest Fullback lock on and show play wide. CB looks to cover space incase ball is played in behind.

Opposite wide men look to narrow pitch, this will allow players around the ball to get closer and apply more pressure to win the ball back. Both strikers should drop in and apply pressure on deep lying midfielders to ensure a chain switch cannot ocure. Nearest winger block off passing lane to fullback and apply pressure with fullback from both sides. LCM look to block passing line into strikers or no.10s feet, other CM add balance and cover. Opposite winger and fullback look to narrow off pitch but be in a position where they can see there player and apply pressure if ball is switched. Goalkeeper be aware if team are applying aggressive pressure, GK may need to be positioned higher up the pitch to sweep up behind defenders and deal with any through balls.