Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): DEFENDING: Out of Balance in the defensive third.

Stage 2: 2 v 1 - Outnumbered (15 mins)

INTENSITY: Moderate ACTIVITY TIME: 3 mins REST: 30-45 secs INTERVALS: 4-5

DESCRIPTIONS:

* 2 attackers (Black) vs 1 defender (yellow)

* Attackers cannot score until beyond blue line

* Defenders score with pass through small counter goal

* Players rotate roles

COACHING POINTS:

1. Access the threat.

2. Cut out the pass between the attacking players - take away forward passing option.

3. Block the ball carriers route to goal.

4. Use of offside strategy

Stage 4: Defending with an imbalance of numbers (30 mins)

INTENSITY: Moderate-high ACTIVITY TIME: 9 mins REST: 1 min INTERVALS: 3

DESCRIPTION:

* 7 v 5 plus GKs

* Target team (Yellow) Defenders initially having a 3v2 advantage in own half.

* GK rolls ball-out to Attacking team (Black).

* Play has to build through mid area, with one black able to enter to make 3v1.

* Play moves into Yellow half with 2 Black able to join-in & make 4v3 advantage.

* Yellow have to prevent Black from scoring whilst outnumbered.

* If Yellow gain possession: they look to quickly counter-attack opponents.

* Roles of players changes when play is reversed.

Progressions:

1. D from middle zone can recover to the defending zone, to make 4v4.

2. Remove any restrictions and play 7 V 7 game.

COACHING POINTS:

1. 1st defender press ball at an angle try to funnel into area's of support and cut attacking players out of the game (Delay and deflect).

2. Create even numbers (or numbers up) situations and press to win the ball (delay & deflect the play)

3. Early decisions as to who confronts the player in possession when ball enters defending third & roles of other D’s.

4. Pressing ball & deflecting attacking play away from central goal scoring areas when outnumbered.

5. Constant changes of role & responsibility.

6. On gaining possession: quick adjustments necessary to initiate counter-attack.