Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending Wide Free Kick

Defending Inswingers (5 mins)

Setup and Equipment  

Half-Pitch

19 players

3 mini goals 

1 big goal 

2 mannequins

20 footballs 

Principles to follow 

Control and restrict spaces - Control the area of the box in behind, make sure the areas of the box are marked in all phases. 

Hybrid Marking - Zonal markers protecting central areas - man oriented wide players to prevent wide runs - man oriented players to stay close to attackers where they have have a height advantage - stay within an arm's distance when on a disadvantage and move only within the width of the box to maintain shape. 

Width and Height - Last line of defence staying high with one player (10) on the ball sided half space to provide maintain narrow width 

Protect Central Areas - 5 players to be placed in central areas (3,4,5,7,8) - 7,8 protect spaces in between 3,4,5. 

GK Positioning - GK High and ready to intercept balls but limited to staying inside the 18 yard box. Communicate when coming to collect/punch balls. 

Session Walkthrough: 

• The ball will be fed through by a player from one side onto the box with a variation of inswingers, outswingers and short
• Clearing the ball gives the team one point, scoring it in either of the half way line mini goal within 5 seconds is 2 points

Key Coaching Points

Timing of runs – Defenders should make late movements into space, adjusting their positioning as the ball travels to make contact

Body orientation – Keep hips open as ball travels to react quickly and ensure clearances are directed into safe areas or out of play.

Aggression and communication – The nearest defender must attack the ball with intent, clearing it forcefully while commanding teammates with loud, clear communication to organize the defensive line.

Timing of jumps and first contact – Read the flight of the ball early, use both arms for balance and elevation, and time the jump at the peak of the ball’s trajectory to maximize height. Make first contact with forehead, directing the clearance wide or toward a teammate to prevent second-phase attacks.

Player Roles and Responsibilities 

Player 1,2 (Furthest 2 markers)- Scan constantly, Man marking attackers Prevent runners from entering the box while maintaining tight spaces in between players, Open body shape for quick second ball clearances. 

Players 3,4,5,6 (Last line) - Zonal markers - Maintain tight spaces in between to prevent late runners inside the box, avoid dropping deep too early, if a defender steps forward to advance, nearest defender ready to cover the space. Upon retaining ball, look to pass it to the goal in the half way line or into space for 7,8.

Players 7,8 (Second Line) - Stay in between the spaces of 3,4,5, upon team receive on a half-turn or open body shape to face the attack quicker. 7 to cover 5's position if 5 advances, 8 to cover 4's position if 4 advances to maintain a tight line. 7 or 8 - communicate effectively and track 2nd phase attacker and press quickly when attacker gets ball facing forward to limit time.

Player 9 - Stay at the edge of the six yard box, Only come forward until the edge of the box when ball is overhit, Communicate effectively when coming forward to intercept.

Player 10 - Prevent short passes into the wide areas, if unsuccessful to intercept, approach at an angle showing outside.

Defending Outswingers (5 mins)

Defending Outswingers

Key Coaching Points 

Far Post Defenders - (1,2,3,4)

• Hips facing the direction of the ball as the ball travels to clear away from the box
• Man marked 1 tuck in closer and screen for wide arrivals into the box, to join backline closer upon ball release
• Communicate effectively when challenging for an aerial duel 

Central Defenders - (5,6,7,8)

• Stay tight in a zonal setup and fight aggressively to prevent any second balls going into opposition
• 7,8 - closest to the ball joins the central defensive zone to win second balls - ready to clear with a side-on stance
• 5 to screen and track any late runs into the near post