Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending: The role of first defender.

Warm-up: (20 mins)

Organization:

10 x 10 area's, 2 players per area

Instructions:

- Players play knee tag. If you tag opponents knee then you score the point or if you manage to force them out of the area without touching them.

- Play for 2 minutes before moving to play a new opponent.

Coaching Points:

1) On Toes.

2) Bend knees.

3) Side body shape.

4) Patience.

Progressions:

P-Addition of a ball to create 1 vs 1 game. 4 grids turn into 2.

Conditioned Game: (20 mins)

Organization:

40 x 25 yards area set up as shown

Instructions:

1. The game always starts with a dribble from one side.

2. The player that receives the ball plays 1v1 against their opponent to the goal, if he passes the ball to the second attacker it starts 1v1 with the second defender and become inactive the first two players.

3. Points System: If the attackers make a split pass, they will get additional 2points; if the defenders prevent the split pass they get additional 2points; if the 1st defender wins the ball from the first attacker equals 1point.

Coaching Points:

1). Deny penetration.

2). The speed of approach.

3). The angle of approach, forces player on to the weak side.

4). Correct moments to tackle.

5). Tackling techniques.

Progressions/Regressions:

1. P – Play 2v2 and allow players to combine.

2. R – Allow 2nd defender to be active to provide cover.