Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending in a low block 2
Coaches' Voice
Tony Hodson
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20 mins
Topic
• Defending in a low block
Principle
• Compactness with collective shifting and dropping, guiding play wide
Time
• 4 x 3-minute blocks with 60-90 seconds’ rest between
Players
• 20 plus 2 goalkeepers
Space/equipment
• 90 yards x 60 yards/Balls, bibs, flat markers and 2 goals
Description
• In this conditioned game, the basic concepts of defending in a low block are used in an 11-a-side match-like scenario.
• The game should have a natural flow to it, with some conditions to encourage low-block defending.
• Team B (white) attacks in a 4-3-3 formation; Team A (orange) defends in a 4-4-2 formation.
• The field is divided into two zones, Zone 1 and Zone 2, as shown in the animation. A further line acts as an offside line when Team B has the ball in Zone 1. The normal offside rule is in effect when the ball is in Zone 2 or when Team A is in possession.
• The only players who are free to move in both zones during all phases of the game are Team B #6, #2 and #3, and Team A’s wingers. All other players must remain in the zone they started the practice in.
• Once Team B progresses into Zone 2, they have 12 seconds to score. They can restart the clock by playing back through their goalkeeper.
• When Team A recovers possession, they also have 12 seconds to score a goal.
• Should Team B then recover possession in Zone 2, they have 12 seconds to score again or recirculate the ball back through their goalkeeper. If they recover the ball in Zone 1, they must play through their goalkeeper.
• Team B earns one point for scoring inside 12 seconds. Team A earns one point from a goal from a counter-attack or one point for every three times they recover possession.
• Every time the ball goes out of play, restart the practice with a new ball with Team B in Zone 1.
Coaching points
• Compactness: The defending team is set up in a 4-4-2 formation with the aim of limiting space between their units. The defensive line should use the offside line as a guide for the position they should take up; the midfield line should be approximately 10 yards higher.
• Forcing play one way: The defending team’s two forwards should aim to guide the opposition towards the side lane, initiating pressure after a trigger such as a slow pass between the centre-backs, a poor touch, or after a sequence of two or three passes.
• Curved runs: To lock play on one side, the forward pressing the centre-back should curve their run, forcing the centre-back to continue moving forward with the ball. This curved run will remove the option of playing back through the other centre-back or midfielder (who the other forward should now mark), and may force a mistake.
• Shifting as a unit: Once play is locked on one side, the defending team should shift in unison. The winger and full-back should reduce the space the opposition full-back and winger have to operate in, while the ball-side central midfielder marks the opposing #10. The far-side central midfielder provides balance in the central lane; the opposite winger and full-back shift across to remain in a compact unit.
• Defensive midfielders: The defensive midfielders should be aware of any space left in the defensive line by a defender tracking an attacker’s run. If this happens, the defensive midfielder must rebalance the defensive line by replacing the defender and remain in the defensive line until they return.
• Dropping back into shape: When the opposition switches play, the defending team must drop diagonally backwards to get behind the ball as quickly as possible.
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15 mins
Topic
• Defending in a low block
Principle
• Compactness with collective shifting and dropping, guiding play wide
Time
• 4 x 3-minute blocks with 60-90 seconds’ rest between
Players
• 15 plus 2 goalkeepers
Space/equipment
• 65 yards x 40 yards/Balls, bibs, flat markers and 2 goals
Description
• In this 8v8 (including goalkeepers) +1 tactical situation game, Team A (white) will be subjected to repeated repetitions of defending in a low block. They are set up in a 1-4-1-2 formation.
• Team B (orange) attacks in a 1-2-1-1-3 formation, while the neutral player (blue) plays for whichever team has the ball. As an example, that could be playing as a second number 10 to form a 1-2-1-2-3 for Team B.
• The field is divided into two zones: Zone 1 and Zone 2, as shown in the animation. Another line in Zone 2 acts as an offside line when Team B is in possession in Zone 2.
• Team B begins each attack in Zone 1.
• Players must stay in the zone they start in, except for Team B holding midfielder/number six, and one of the forwards from Team A, who can track back with Team B’s number six.
• Team B have 12 seconds to score once they have progressed play into Zone 2.
• However, Team B can reset the countdown by playing back into Zone 1 and through their goalkeeper.
• When Team A recovers possession, they also have 12 seconds to score a goal. Should Team B win the ball back, the practice restarts with a new ball in Zone 1.
• All players are free to move anywhere on the pitch after Team A wins the ball.
• Team B earns one point for scoring inside 12 seconds. Team A earns one point if they score from a counter-attack, or one point for every three times they recover possession.
• The practice always restarts with Team B in possession in Zone 1.
Coaching points
• Compactness: The defending team should aim to limit spaces between the opposition’s units. The defensive line must be in constant communication with the holding midfielder to ensure they remain 10 yards in front of the central defenders. The defensive midfielder should, in turn, instruct the two forwards to move in unison.
• Forcing play one way: The defending team’s two forwards should aim to guide the opposition towards the side lane. They should work together to initiate pressure after a trigger such as a slow pass between the centre-backs, a poor touch, or after a sequence of two or three passes.
• Curved runs: To lock play on one side, the forward pressing the centre-back should curve their run, forcing the centre-back to continue moving forward with the ball. This curved run will remove the option of playing back through the other centre-back or midfielder (who the other forward should mar), and may force a mistake.
• Shifting across: Once play is locked on one side, the defensive line and defensive midfielder should shift across with play. The midfielder and full-back should be ready to press the opposition’s two number 10s and winger. If any individual player needs to move out to press or cover behind a teammate, the distances the players need to cover are kept to a minimum.
• Reorganising: Should the opposition recirculate the ball through their goalkeeper, the defending team will need to reorganise in the central lane. When the opposition switches play, the defending team must drop diagonally backwards to get behind the ball as quickly as possible.