Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Defending sam

Activity - 1v1 (10 mins)

Set Up: Approx 12x20 space. 2 teams split into 4 groups as shown. Red team starts with the ball.

Organisation: Both ends play at the same time. Red players pass to white players. Once white players receive the ball they try to dribble to furthest end line. If red win the ball back, they try to score on opposite line. Play is continuos and join the opposite line. Switch roles after 2-3 minutes.

Coaching Points:

Pressure - how?

Body shape - can you use the side line to your advantage?

Group Game: Drop (30 mins)

Game Objective: to stop the counter-attack at the top of the 18

Topic: Delay Progress and Reorganize

Phase: Transition: Attacking to Defending

Problem: We have lost the ball and our opponent is on the attack

Who: 4,5, 2,3, 6

Where: middle or attacking third

When: when we are outnumbered on a counter-attack

What: (1) Drop slowly to protect space (2) Others drop quickly to reorganize

Why: to prevent a shot on goal

Layout: Half field; two goals ; four poles

Restrictions: 3v 6 Rondo in red box; 3v2 outside of redbox; two goalie; two crosses in red box to score.

Scoring: 1 point for delay; 1 point for reorg; 1 point for goals

Game: Regular game;

Coaching Points: As soon as ball is lost (1) the 2 and 3 drop to reorganize (2) the 4 and 5 delay progress

- Speed of recovery. You must run back as quickly as possible to help your team mate

- Where to run to when you recover?

- Can you run into passing lines to stop the attackers passing?

- Can you run to delay the attacker?

- How do I help and support my team mates

4v3 Recovery Defender (20 mins)

Organization: 15*10 yard grid set on top of the GK box. One large goal and two small goals set up near half. Two servers on either side of the grid. 4v2 inside the grid with a recovery defender on a cone in between the small goals. Supply of balls with each server.

Activity: 4v2 defending - The server passes to one of the attackers in red who attack 4v2 against the blue defenders. A third recovery defender enters the grid. Objective is to score on the large goal. Defenders can win the ball and counter on the small goals. All restarts with the servers.

Coaching Points:

Closest player presses the ball - quick early pressure.

Close down quickly, slow down and arrive at a good approach distance.

Body position - side on / deflect away from goal.

Show restraint. Tackle when there is an opportunity to do so. Delay when numbers down.

Distance / angle of support for the 1st defender. Defenders should be a position to see both attackers.

Recovering defender must decide whether to win the ball or how best to support his teammates.

Communication.