Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending Session: Press - Protect - Prevent (+Delay/Deny/Deflect/Defend)

Warm Up - Triggers + Reactions (15 mins)

Setup:

We have the players positioned opposite each other, with different colored cones in front of each set of players. For the purpose of the visual, we are going to use a back 4 as an example in this session, but we can also just easily work this shape, setup and the basic principles for a younger 9 vs 9 team, who may play a back 3. 

Instructions:

On the coaches call, whichever color (here shown as blue, red, orange + yellow), the players positioned have to react and move toward that color called, and work together as a group, pressing, protecting and preventing the switch of the play - for now the play is unopposed. This helps the players build movement and rhythm together. Whichever team gets set up first together as a unit gets the point from the coach. 

Attack vs Defense - Back 4 + CDM (20 mins)

Setup:

Play a 5 vs 5, defense vs attack. 

Instructions:

Keep things simple here for both teams, coach should mainly focus on the defending side:

1. Defense can score in the mini goals when they win the ball back

2. Use the red dotted line in the middle as a reference point for the defense to play to and certain players should not cross over, as to keep their shape

3. Coach supplies the balls, and we play for 90 seconds to 2 mins maximum

4. Defense should be looking at:

Scanning/shifting and making use of the 4 D's of defense - delay the attackers, deny them space, deflect a shot if taken + potentially defend with a tackle. 

Block + screening provided by the central defensive midfielder.