Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 1st Defender Principles

8 v 8 Game (20 mins)

8 v 8 Game: Defending as a Team (20 mins)

Set-Up: Field is 70yds long x 50yds wide with a half-way line and 2 goals at either end. Two equal teams, with 2 GK's. Balls distributed beside goal to keep the game flowing when balls go out of play.

Instructions: Play 8 v 8 with offside in effect. Re-start from the GK when a goal is scored or ball goes out of play.

Coaching Points: Stay switched on - immediate transition from attacking to defending

1st Defender tactics - a.Make a decision which way to show attacker b.Curved run to show attacker one way or the other c.Close down space early and quickly d.Sideways on body position e.Get low f.Stay on feet g.Watch the ball h.Be aggressive - initiate contact

2nd Defender Tactics - a.Communicate to 1st defender where to show the attacker b.Provide cover c.Be close enough to 1st defender to step in and engage attacker if 1st defender gets beat d.Be aware of other attackers and dangerous space

1 v 1 Duel to score through gates (20 mins)

1 v 1 - Duel to score on multiple small goals (20 mins)

Set-Up: Field is 30yds x 35yds, with multiple small gaols inside the field goals on each end line.Attackers have a ball each. 2 Equal teams with no Goalkeepers.

Instructions: Teams play 1 v 1 and attempt to score by dribbling through the small goals. Players play for 2 minutes and then switch with resting players. Each controlled dribble through a goal is worth 1 point.

Coaching Points: Stay switched on - immediate transition from attacking to defending.

1st Defender tactics - a.Make a decision which way to show attacker b.Curved run to show attacker away from goal. c.Close down space early and quickly d.Sideways on body position e.Get low f.Stay on feet g.Watch the ball h.Be aggressive - initiate contact