Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Coaching Midfielders Defensive Shape

SSG: Pressing and Marking (20 mins)

Set Up: 40*30 grid One goal on each end line. Supply of balls behind each goal.

Players: Three teams - 5-6 per team. Adjust according to numbers.

Description: Play 4v4 (plus GK). Halfway line is the offisde line as per regular rules. Condition the game such that any ball out of play or with any goal scored, play starts with one team. Or reward a goal with immediate possession. Play 3 minutes and then switch teams.

Progression:

Add a neutral player who supports the team in possession - create a numbers up situation.

Challenge: the team conceding the fewest shots, stays for another 3 minute round.

Ask one team to track and the other to mark zonally. What's the difference in approaches?

Key Factors:

1. When to press, when not to press - cues.

2. Who presses?

3. Individual defending principles - speed and angle of approach.

4. Communication.

5. Group defending - second defender (angle/distance of cover).

6. Balance - can we take away half the field?

PoP - Mid 3 Defending in front of a back 4 (20 mins)

Set Up: Just over half the field; One large goal; two 5*5 grids (waiting zones) at midfield. Supply of balls just outside the center circle, on the defending side.

Players: 16-18 players. 7 red + GK v 6 blue + server. 2 wingers in the waiting zones.

Description: Play starts with the server playing out to blue. Blue look to attack the large goal. Red score a point by playing the ball into the server in the back half of the center circle. 3 points = 1 goal. The server can act as an outlet player for blue. Server has two touches to play. Blue cannot cross half way line.

Progression:

Wingers can come into the play when the ball is in the opposite side to seal off space and dissuade opponents from playing a ball into the space when the midfield trio is pulled across. The winger drops back out when the ball is won, ball goes out of play or on a restart.

Key Factors:

1. Red HM tries to screen passes into the strikers.

2. Other red mids pressure the ball and seal of space.

3. Red work to keep a tight triangle - communication!

4. Move as a group, move as the ball travels.

5. Nearest defender / mid pressures the ball to prevent forward passes. Second mid player tries to close off forward passing lane to 2nd / other strikers or "loose" marks.