Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): U14 Teaching Defensive Principles

Warm up (10 mins)

ORGANISATION

12 players

Set up 12 squares 10yds x 10yds

1 players in each box

Supply of balls in the middle

ACTIVITY

- The ball is passed across the boxes. Each player must hold on to the ball for 2 seconds. Defending team without the ball adjust their shape to simulate pressure cover balance.

- If the ball is in the middle box middle player steps to pressure the ball, side players cover off the shoulder.

- If the ball is in the far right square, the defender across from the player steps to pressure, middle defender beside the player drops to cover and the far defender provides balance to stop the ball from coming in.

- Players cannot leave their square

COACHING POINTS

Pressure on the ball is priority.

Pressure the ball to an area you have numbers.

cover provides direct help.

Balance cuts off passes from being switched.

4 vs 3 Transition (15 mins)

Set Up: 4 Vs. 3 transition

40 x 25 field dimensions

Instructions: GK initiates play by distributing ball to the 3 defenders which have gone wide. when ball is rolled out the fourth player joins. they are waiting at the center mark ( 20 yards). once Players in possession (red) cross over the the center line the defenders (White) can engage (As play moves into attacking zone 3 new red players move into their (red) defending zone ).Play continues until ball goes out of bounds, the team scores or the GK makes a save. Now the GK from the team in white initiates play going the other way. The players in red who finished attacking exit the exercise.

Key Factors:

keeping compact.

Making the game predictable.

Pressure on the ball as they get closer to goal

Variation/Progression: