Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending as a Unit

1v1 / 2v2 Defending Skills

Organization:

• 10-15 Min 
• 2 teams (Def and Att)
• All balls with the Attackers
• 10 cones

Instructions:

• Ball is played into attackers path (by coach) 
• Attackers try to get into the penalty box to score in a 2v2 situation vs the defenders
• Defenders cannot cross the red line until ball is in play
• Once ball is dead, the next 2 players swap 
• Attackers can be offside 
• Rotate goalkeepers every play

Coaching Points/Questions:

• Support: Supporting defender should take position from the first defender, support the press with good awareness of the other attacker's run 
• Position: Defenders should be in a good position to see both attackers and the ball while communicating with each other and the goalkeeper
• Shape: Defending on the position of the ball (organization of shape through pressure, balance, cover)

Progressions:

• Attackers receive the ball with their backs to goal. Defenders can press them early and prevent them from turning
• 3v3 with the width of the penalty area

Regressions:

• Extra defender
• Smaller area 

Conditioned Game

Organization:

• 20-25 mins
• 2 teams (Def and Att)
  
• All balls with Target Player (yellow)
• 5 cones 

Instructions:

• Ball always starts with Target Player (yellow), (out of play, saved shot, etc.)
• Attackers (blue) have 6 balls (attempts) to score as many goals as possible (1 point for goal outside box, 3 points for goal inside box)
• Defenders (red) look to win the ball back and play to the Target Player (#6) or one of the two pugg nets (#8 & #10)
• If the Goalkeeper makes a save, they can look to play out (pass or throw) to the Target Player 

Coaching Points/Questions:

• Press, Cover, & Balance as a Unit: Remain a single unit. The closest player to the ball can engage the attacker while not overcommitting and losing the shape. The objective is to keep the ball in front of them.
• Distance: Compactness with little space between the players to block any passing lanes and any shots
  
• Disciplined: Maintain their shape, communicate (who engages?, who needs to shift?, can we win it back after a loose touch?)

Progressions:

• (Attackers: 2 Fullbacks, 3 Center Mids, 3 Forwards) 8v7 (Defenders: 2 Center Mids, Back 4)