Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Passing & Defending (Start Time: 2024-10-17 17:25:00)

1v1 Defending (Semi Opposed leading to Opposed) (10 mins)

Setup:

25x25 grid. Red cones on corners and middle. Blue cones either side of the middle and to make gates in the corners. 2 groups of 6 - 3 attackers, 3 defenders. Adjust as necessary.

1v1 attack vs defenders - Defender passes the ball to the attacker who has to run through either of the two gates to win a point.

Defenders challenged to close down quickly and steal the ball. If defenders steal, they win a point. Swap attackers and defenders after 3 minutes and run 2 blocks.

Encourage defenders to delay the attackers movements.

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

1. Regress by making the gates bigger or defenders being semi-opposed to begin by simply blocking the route to the gates. Then progress to fully opposed.

2. Double points if defender wins the ball - encourage closing down quickly in attempt to steal.

3. Rotate the groups in the 2nd block so players are faced against different opponents.

 Eg - swap attackers from each group.

Coaching Points

1. Get in line with the ball.

Then explain the 4S's of defending

2. Shut Down - Accelerate and close down quickly.

3. Slow Down - Don't crash into a player.

4. Sit Down - Bend knees and stay low to change direction easily

5. Show Down - Encourage players to be patient - don't dive in and show players away from the goal.

SSG - Conditioned Game (10 mins)

Conditioned Game - 

6v6 conditioned small sided game. 

If defending team can regain possession quickly (10 seconds) when in the opposition half and then score a goal, it is worth double points.

This can encourage players to be brave and attempt to win the ball high up the pitch. However, to encourage patience and enforcing the message to not dive in, when a team is defending in their own half, the rule does not apply.

Coaching Points

1. Press high and close down quickly to get the opportunity for extra points.

2. When defending in own half, be patient and force attackers away from the goal.

3. Reminder of the 4S's from the previous drills. Shut down, Slow down, Sit down, Show down.