Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): UEFA B Defending The Final Third

Specific Practice

SPECIFIC PRACTICE SETUP

• Set up three mini goals on the halfway line for counter-attacking opportunities.
• Coach positioned on the halfway line with balls in hand to feed the play.

Teams (7v8)

• Defending Team (Red): 4-3-3 (No front three, focusing on defensive compactness).
• Attacking Team (Blue): 3-4-1-2 (No centre-backs, focused on attacking patterns).

Scoring System

• Attacking Team (Blue): 1 point for scoring a goal in the main goal.
• Defending Team (Red): 1 point for scoring in mini goals within 10 seconds of a possession turnover.

TIMING

• 2 blocks of 4-minute intervals
• 1-minute rest between blocks

COACHING POINTS – OUT OF POSSESSION (RED)

General Defensive Principles

• Trigger pressing cues – when to step up and engage vs. when to stay compact.
• Compact shape – minimise gaps between midfield and defence to deny central penetration.
• Body positioning – force attackers into wide areas or backwards.
• Recovery runs – ensuring midfielders track late runners into the box.
• Clear communication – who presses, who covers, and who screens passes.
• Defensive transition – organise quickly after losing the ball, prioritising central compactness.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES (OUT OF POSSESSION – RED TEAM)

Defensive Line (CBs & FBs)

• Centre-Backs (CBs) – Stay narrow, track runs into the box, and clear crosses.
• Full-Backs (FBs) – Engage wingers early, stay compact in Block 3 & 4, and cover CBs when needed.
• GK – Organise the defensive line, be ready to claim crosses, and initiate quick counters.

Midfield Three (CMs)

• Ball-side CM – Press aggressively when ball enters their zone, force play wide.
• Opposite CM – Screen passes into attackers, be an outlet when possession is won.
• Holding CM – Stay disciplined in front of back four, dictate pressing triggers.

Defensive Transitions

• Win possession → look to counter quickly through midfield.
• If no immediate counter, retain shape and slow down play.

Small-Side Game

SMALL-SIDED GAME SETUP

• Remove the two wide mini goals, leaving only the central mini goal.

• Pitch: Half a full-size pitch.

• Coach positioned centrally to observe pressing triggers and defensive shape.

TEAMS

• Defending Team (Red): 8 players (including GK).

• Attacking Team (Blue): Gains an extra player (GK) – 8v8 total.

TIMING

• 3 blocks of 4-minute intervals.

• 1-minute rest between blocks.

COACHING POINTS – OUT-OF-POSSESSION TEAM (RED)

• Communication – Clear signals on when and where to engage the ball.

• Defensive Shape – Maintain compactness between lines, reducing gaps.

• Pressing Triggers – Identify moments to press, such as a poor touch or back pass.

• Defensive Line Management – Stay organised and track late runs.

• Transitioning from Defence to Attack – Look for quick counter-attacking opportunities upon regaining possession.

• Decision Making – Recognise when to press high vs. when to sit in a low block.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES – OUT-OF-POSSESSION TEAM (RED)

Defensive Line (CBs & FBs)

• Centre-Backs (CBs): Stay compact, track runners, clear aerial balls, communicate with full-backs.

• Full-Backs (FBs): Engage wingbacks in wide areas early, cover CBs when needed, position for counter-attacks.

Midfield Three (CMs)

• Ball-side CM: Press aggressively when ball enters their zone, force play wide.

• Opposite CM: Screen passes into attackers, provide an outlet for counters.

• Holding CM: Maintain defensive discipline, track deep runners, dictate pressing triggers.

Goalkeeper (GK)

• Organise defensive line.

• Be ready to claim crosses and cover space behind back four.

• Distribute quickly to initiate counters