Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Transition to Defend (Retreating Runs & Delay)

Warm Up (10 mins)

Organization:

- Two teams

- Two poles

- One ball

Instructions:

Player dribbles to the pole and plays a diagonal pass. Upon conceding possession, the player now transitions to defense by sprinting back to the end line. To score, the opposition attacker must play the next pass before the retreating defender crosses the line.

Coaching Points:

Retreating Defender:

- Mentality

- Quick reactions

- Sprint in straight line

- Take shortest possible distance

Progressions:

- Increase distance of pole

Activity 2 - 2v2 (10 mins)

Organization:

- Two teams

- Two goals

- One end zone

- Supply of balls at halfway line

Instructions:

Player dribbles to end zone and stops the ball. Upon conceding possession the player sprints around goal before transitioning to defense by supporting 1st defender who has joined the play to protect the goal. The two attackers attempt to to score in opposition goal in a 2v1 scenario before the retreating defender can create a potential 2v2. One point for a goal scored as the attacking team and two points for the team with the retreating defender (i.e. transition to defend, win ball and score in counter goal). All goals must be scored in oppostion half.

Coaching Points:

Retreating Defender:

- Mentality

- Quick reactions

- Cut off direct route to goal / shooting lane

- Take shortest possible distance

- Sprint in straight line

- Apply immediate pressure

1st Defender:

- Delay opposition attack - until 2v2

- Cut off direct route to goal / shooting lane

Progressions:

- Adjust position of end zone