Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Defending 1v2 (Start Time: 2014-04-03 18:00:00)

Technique (15 mins)

* Two teams of 4 players plus a goalkeeper

* Concurrent practice - attackers play on to the pitch and play 2v1 unopposed.

* Attackers run the ball over blue line, which is as far as the defender can retreat to.

* Once over the line - attackers can pass to goalkeeper.

* Swap defender with resting player and repeat. Swap Defenders/Attackers after 3 turns each

* Goalkeeper calls out a number and the defenders must react to get into defensive positions against that ball.

* Once in a good position the goalkeeper then calls out a different number, and the defenders must react again.

* 5 calls per pair then swap with outside players

Small Sided Game (20 mins)

* Two teams of four with + a goalkeeper

* Start position is from the goalkeeper, rolling or passing out to a defender in their own half

* Look at opportunities for attacking from possession regains, causing the team that lost the ball to

practice defending outnumbered - this should happen pretty naturally. Coach one team!

* Observe the game, and look for coaching points for the defenders:

- Good defensive position, win the ball if the ball or touch is poor

- Position on the pitch, between the ball and the goal, don't track poor runs

- Step up to create pressure on ball carrier, threaten the ball when possible

- Delay the play until recovring player can get back and assist

- Force the play wide, scoring opportunities will be created centrally

- Press the ball when shooting becomes an option

- Last resort, defender must commit to a challenge