Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Individual and Small Group Defending (Second Video - Coaching Performance Evaluation)

Specific Warm -up

Warm-Up will consist of the same movements that are required to defend since this is a defensive topic. Players will be in the same grids that they will be participating in the 1 v 1 activity later in the session.

Ball will be played to the attcking player who will dribble to the opposite end of the grid. As the attacking player is dribbling the defending player will shadow the attacking player. No tackling will be done at this point. The defending players job will be to remain in front of the attcking player and to adjust to the movements of the player in possession.

After 1 minute intervals the players will perform dynamic stretches to ensure they are properly warmed up.

Hamstring stretches, Quad Stretches, Hip Flexor Strectches, Glute Streches, Hip Opening and Closing etc..

2v2 Defending

Objective: Take the concepts of 1 v 1 defending and now apply those to a 2 v 2 situation. Emphasis on the first defender and second defender, introducing pressure (1st defender) and cover (2nd defender).

15 x 15 yard grids are created. 2 players from the defending team play a ball to the 2 attackers. In order to score the attacker must dribble over the line where the defenders started from. If the defenders win the ball, they can dribble over the attackers starting line for a point. Once a point is scored or the ball goes out of bounds, the next group starts.

Coaching Points:

1. Communication by the first defender to acknowledge the initial pressure. Communication by the 2nd defender to acknowledge that he is supporting the 1st defender.

2. Body Positioning of 1st defender is communicated by the 2nd defender to ask the player to force a player in a certain direction. (A direction that is advantageuous for them to win the ball)

3. Body Positioning when the ball is played to the other side of the grid, we need to position ourself so we can see our opponent and the ball so that we can deny a penetrating pass that splits our defense.