Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): ZONAL DEFENDING IN A 1-4-2-3-1 (DEFENSIVE THIRD).

Exercise 1a: 2v2

Organization:

1. 20x15 areas (x4).

2. Players as shown.

Instructions:

1. Blue players are defenders.

2. Red players are attackers.

3. Red attacker on the side passes to 1st attacker and the game goes live 2v2.

4. The second defender at the endline joins in immediately to provide cover for the first defender.

5. Attackers are looking to dribble over opposition's endline.

6. Defenders dribble through the gates or pass the ball through the gates if they win possession.

7. Attackers and defenders change roles on coach's call.

Coaching Points:

1. Pressure, cover.

2. Recovery runs.

3. Delay for teammate to recover.

4. Communication.

5. Look to isolate one attacker.

6. Moments to double team.

Progression:

1. Competition: The winning team at the end of each round are promoted while the losing team are relegated.

Exercise 2: 7v6

Organization:

1. Set up (half of the pitch) as shown.

2. Counter goals on the wings and in the center.

3. Cones to represent offside line / restraining line.

Instructions:

1. Blues set up in a 1-4-2 formation while reds set up in 4-2 formation.

2. Defending team (in blue) look to defend big goal and attack counter goals.

3. Attacking team(in blue) look to score on large goal.

4. Ball always restarts from the server to the red team unless otherwise specified by coach.

5. Coach also adds varitation into the start point to present new challenges to the defending team.

Coaching Points:

1. Pressure, cover and balance.

2. Compactness - horizonatally and vertically.

3. Move as a unit - maintain shape.

4. When/where to press vs. retreat/delay.

5. Show inside/outside - visual cues.

6. Transition to attack.

7. Communication - early, urgent, concise.

Progression:

1. Exercise progresses to 8v7 phase of play.

Game: 8v8

Organization:

Setup as shown.

Instructions:

1. Blues set up in a 1-4-2-1 formation while reds set up in 1-1-4-2 formation.

2. Normal FIFA laws of the game applies.

Coaching Points:

1. Pressure, cover and balance.

2. Connection between the functional units i.e. defensive unit and midfield unit.

3. Defensive unit moves up quickly upon winning possession.

4. Communication between the functional units.