Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending with Transition to Attack – Goalkeeper, Back 4 and Midfield 3

Description

Method:9 v 9 Small SidedGame designed to improve players Defending in the Middle and Defensive Third

Coaching Points:

• Area: Full width of pitch, length end line to 18 yard box. Cut off the sides on one end
• 9 v 9 Game: Blue Team 1.4.3.1 v Yellow Team 1.2.3.3
• Supply of balls in each goal

KEY FACTORS

• Defensive shape – In Midfield 2 Holding players (6 & 8) and an Advanced Midfielder (10), Back 4 compact, Goalkeeper off his line
• Blue Team must move as a team as the ball is passed around the pitch, making it difficult to play through them. Keep shape don’t allow opposition to pull players out of position
• 1 v 1 Defending – Close Quickly, put on the brakes, Defending stance, Delay and Deny
• Pressure and Cover, Balance – Nearest man presses, second close cover, Opposite Full Back tucks in to give balance while keeping open body shape
• Communication from players behind is key
• Opened body shape when Defending see the ball and man
• Goalkeeper acts as Sweeper/Keeper

• When ball is won, look to play forward as quickly as possible through quality passing

NOTES

100% concentration needed, communication between players is vital