Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): SSE - Tactical Session - DP1 Low-Block Protection

4v4v4+2

Drill 2 – 4v4v4+2 Defensive Transition Drill

Phase of Play: Defensive Phase
Main Principle: DP1 - Protection
Sub-Principle: Defensive Low Block Structure & Shape

Objective:

• Develop defensive shape and pressing triggers while maintaining compactness in a low block.
• Force play wide and prevent split passes through central areas.

Organisation:

• Teams: Three teams of four + 2 extras
• Area Size: 20m x 30m.
• Time: 1.5 minutes per team in the middle.
• Sets: Each team rotates into the middle twice.
• Equipment:
  • Flat discs.
  • Balls.
  • Bibs (3 x 4 sets).
  • Cones.

Explanation:

Progression 1 – Fixed Zones

• Three teams split into three zones (defensive third, middle third, attacking third).
• The team in possession must complete four passes, including one to the goalkeeper, before switching play to the opposite end.
• The defensive team in the middle third aims to block passing lanes and shift as a compact unit to deny penetration.

Progression 2 – Pressing Allowed

• Middle third defenders can now press into the attacking zone to try and win possession.
• If they win the ball, they must find their teammate in the middle third and attempt to score in a mini goal.
• The goalkeeper’s zone is a safe zone for the team in possession.

Scoring System:

• 1 point: Switching the ball via a wide pass.
• 2 points: Splitting two defenders in the middle third with a central pass.
• 5 points: Defensive team winning possession and scoring in the mini goal.

Coaching Adjustments:

• If defenders win the ball too easily, widen the area to make ball retention easier.
• If switching is too easy, reduce the width to create more defensive pressure.
• If middle defenders stretch too much, introduce four defensive zones in the middle to improve compactness and positioning.

Coaching Points:

• Defensive shape and shuffling – Middle defenders must move as a unit, staying compact and blocking passing lanes.
• Body positioning – Defenders should show play wide and be ready to press when the ball is in motion.
• Compactness – Maintain depth when shifting to avoid becoming square.
• Communication – Defenders must talk and adjust positions together to prevent gaps.
• Deny central access – Priority is to force play wide and prevent split passes through the defensive block.

Tactical Game - 8v815 mins

Tactical Game – Defending in Low Block

Phase of Play: Defensive Phase
Main Principle: DP1 - Protection
Sub-Principle: Defensive Low Block Structure & Shape

Objective:

• Improve compactness and central defensive structure.
• Force opposition into wide areas to limit central penetration.
• Ensure defensive unit moves as a connected block.

Organisation:

• Teams: 8v8
• Formations:
  • Greens (Defensive Team): 4-4-2
  • Blacks (Attacking Team): 4-3-3
• Area Size: Adjusted half-pitch with wide zones near the attacking goal cut off.
• Duration: 3 x 4-minute blocks with coaching interventions.
• Starting Scenario: Ball begins with the attacking team’s central midfielders (#6s).

Blocks & Coaching Focus:

• Block 1 – Can we be compact and defend centrally?

  • Allow the first pass to the opposition’s #6s to maintain compactness.
  • Ensure narrow distances between the three central midfielders to prevent gaps.

• Block 2 – Can the #10 lock the ball outside and force play wide?

  • #10 must arc their run to force the ball outside, cutting off passes to the opposite #6 and goalkeeper.
  • Ball-side full-back stays loose to the winger to encourage the pass before engaging 1v1.
  • Ball-side CDM locks onto their #10 while the far-side CDM tucks over.
  • Far-side winger tucks in, leaving the opposition’s far-side winger and CDM unmarked.

• Block 3 – Check understanding and allow decision-making.

  • Let players adjust their defensive movements based on live scenarios.
  • Encourage problem-solving and real-time adaptations.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Goalkeeper:

  • Provide constant communication on opposition positioning.
  • Organise defensive line movements and ensure compact distances.

• Centre-Backs:

  • Track the opposition striker’s movement.
  • Step the line up when a backwards pass occurs.
  • Maintain defensive shape and provide vocal leadership.

• Full-Backs:

  • Stay close to the centre-backs to prevent gaps.
  • Far-side full-back tucks inside to defend the back post when the ball is on the opposite side.
  • Engage 1v1 in wide areas only when the opposition is forced outside.

• Central Defensive Midfielders (CDMs):

  • Maintain central compactness, shifting as a unit with ball movement.
  • Disrupt passing lanes and time interceptions effectively.
  • Focus on second-ball recovery and regaining possession.

• Attacking Midfielder (CAM/#10):

  • Shuffle across with the defensive block to prevent central penetration.
  • Cover passing lanes into the opposition #10s.
  • Press aggressively on poor touches to force turnovers.

Opposition Management:

• Encourage the attacking team to exploit central spaces where possible.
• Emphasise forward play to challenge the defensive structure.

Intervention Strategies & Coaching Position:

• Walkthrough: Initial defensive structure explanation using the ball.
• Tactics Board: Used to illustrate key adjustments before Block 2.