Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Team Defending (Pressure Cover Balance)

8v3 Rondo (Pressure - Cover - Balance )  

8v3 Rondo (Pressure - Cover - Balance )  

Objective - Improve Defending

Activity - 8 Players keep possession by passing the ball. The 3 defenders must work together to defend the 8 and then win the ball and score on one of 2 mini goals. The players in possession score by completing 10 passes. 

Set up - 6 cones, 3 bibs, as many balls as available, 2 mini goals. Size of space 10 by 20 yards

Improve Defending - We ask players to cut off passing lanes, contain, and then steal the ball. 

More Challenging - Red players only need 8 passes to score a goal. 

Less Challenging - Red must complete 12 passes to score a goal. 

Passing = Play with your body open/pass and move / Scanning

Defending = Contain / Body Shape / Pressure, cover, and balance

Pressure: Pressure refers to the tactical approach of closing down the opponent quickly and effectively in order to regain possession of the ball. It involves encouraging players to apply pressure on the opponent's ball carrier, limiting their options and time on the ball, and forcing them into making mistakes. A coach can teach pressure by emphasizing the importance of closing down space quickly, cutting off passing lanes, and applying pressure in groups to prevent the opponent from finding an easy way out.

Cover: Cover refers to the defensive strategy of providing support to teammates who are applying pressure on the opponent. When one player applies pressure, other players must provide cover to protect the open spaces and potential passing lanes. This involves anticipating where the ball might go next and positioning oneself to provide cover and support for teammates. A coach can teach cover by emphasizing the importance of teamwork, communication, and anticipation in defense.

Balance: Balance refers to the ability of a team to maintain a stable and organized defensive shape while also attacking with purpose. It involves finding a balance between offensive and defensive responsibilities, ensuring that players are not caught out of position and leaving spaces open for the opponent to exploit. A coach can teach balance by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong defensive shape while also attacking with purpose and making sure that players are aware of their positional responsibilities both on and off the ball.

9v6 Prevent Build-Up (Defending from the Front) 

9v6 Prevent Build-Up (Defending from the Front) 

Objective - Improve Defending

Activity - 6 players look to defend from the front and prevent the 9 from passing into target goals. If the 6 win possession they get 1 point, if they create a chance they get another, and if they score they get 2 points. 

Set up - 4 bibs, 4 red cones 4 yellow cones, 2 mini goals, as many balls as possible. 10x20 yards

Improve Defending - We ask players to cut off passing lanes, contain, and then steal the ball.

More Challenging - Red only has to dribble across the halfway line to score 

Less Challenging -  Blue gains another midfield player 

Defending = Contain / Body Shape / Pressure, cover, and balance

Pressure: Pressure refers to the tactical approach of closing down the opponent quickly and effectively in order to regain possession of the ball. It involves encouraging players to apply pressure on the opponent's ball carrier, limiting their options and time on the ball, and forcing them into making mistakes. A coach can teach pressure by emphasizing the importance of closing down space quickly, cutting off passing lanes, and applying pressure in groups to prevent the opponent from finding an easy way out.

Cover: Cover refers to the defensive strategy of providing support to teammates who are applying pressure on the opponent. When one player applies pressure, other players must provide cover to protect the open spaces and potential passing lanes. This involves anticipating where the ball might go next and positioning oneself to provide cover and support for teammates. A coach can teach cover by emphasizing the importance of teamwork, communication, and anticipation in defense.

Balance: Balance refers to the ability of a team to maintain a stable and organized defensive shape while also attacking with purpose. It involves finding a balance between offensive and defensive responsibilities, ensuring that players are not caught out of position and leaving spaces open for the opponent to exploit. A coach can teach balance by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong defensive shape while also attacking with purpose and making sure that players are aware of their positional responsibilities both on and off the ball.