Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Pressure, Cover, Balance - Defending Forward

Introduction (10 mins)

Organization:

- 4 teams of 3

- Each field split in half

- 3 v 3

Instructions:

- Recap Roles: Pressure, Cover

- Play starts by either team making a pass to the opposing team, when the pass is received two defenders move to pressure

- Offense is looking to connect 3 passes before switching ball to the 1 defender still on their side

- If defense could regain possession, play is stopped and theyre rewarded a point

Coaching Points/Questions:

- Identify who Pressure & Cover

- Communication

- How can you double team player in possession of ball

Regressions/Progressions:

R : 1 pass is needed before switching over ball

P : Defense is allowed to step in as soon as pass is made

Main Activity 2: Defending with Balance (20 mins)

Organization:

- 30 x 30 area split into two, setup as shown

- 3 Attackers vs 3 Defenders

- 4 Mini Goals setup as shown

Instructions:

- Teams play 3v3 across two fields

- Attacking team start with ball & enter area - aim to score in Mini Goals at opposite end

- Attacking players can move anywhere across both field

- Defending players movement is limited. Wide defenders have to stay on their field while central defender can move between fields to assist wide defenders.

- If defending team win the ball they aim to score 

- Play until a goal is scored or ball goes out. After set time rotate Attackers & Defenders

Coaching Points:

- Pressure - close down the space & deny penetration

- Angle of approach & Body Shape - try to dictate the play one way

- Communication - coach each other

- Roles of positions - Pressure (1st Defender), Cover (2nd Defender) & Balance (3rd Defender)

- Move together as a unit 

- Focus & Patience - wait for the right time to win the ball

Progressions:

P - Defenders pass the ball out to Attackers to begin the play

P - Time limit for Defenders to win the ball