Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending Session - Defending in your own half 7 & 9 a-side

RWB 1v1

Set Up:

x4 corners

players play 1v1 and after attack switch

middle pair have option to score in both gates.

corner pairs are attacking gates they face and defending gates closest to them.

if defenders win the ball they can dribble through

As soon as the passing lane in free next 1v1 plays.

Progression:

2v2

Defending in your own half

Set Up:

Pitch lines with 2 wide channels as a visual for players to understand areas looking for to be compact and show into those wider areas

2v2 Waves of attack towards goal.

Red Gk start by playing pass into defenders who play towards small goals.

Play is then live with yellow dribbling in with second ball.

Yellows to score in big goal.

Red trying to prevent goals and score in small goals.

Progression:

Progress to 3v3 Waves of attack towards goal and then 3v4 to challenge if required.

Same flow and objectives as 2v2.

Coaching Points:

Can we make yellows play predictable and lock into one half of the pitch 

Be aggressive in 1v1 showing wide 

Other defenders become compact and if possible double up 

Recovery runs direct towards goals 

Protect the centre and give up wide areas if needed 

Defending in your own half

Set Up:

Double PB Box sized pitch. 2 GK's and 3 teams of 4.

2 teams are on 1 team set up as neutrals on the sides.

Instructions - 4v4 games with 4 neutrals. if you score you stay on the pitch. neutrals are limited to 2 touch.

Goals can only be scored in attacking half  

Adaptions - Neutrals are 1 touch

Progression:

Neutral can dribble onto the pitch to make 5v4.

Coaching Points:

Travel as the ball travels, communication,

Pressure, cover, balance