Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): C Course 3.1

3.1 Cutbacks

Defending Cutbacks 

• Server (S) plays to either red 8 (shown) or red 10
• If ball is played to red 8, red 7 makes run in behind for through ball (must stay onside with blue defense)
• Blue 3 must touch mannequin before making recovery run to defend.
• Red 9 and opposite CM (here 10) join and make near post and seam 2 runs, respectively. 

Focus is on the three remaining defenders finding desired positions to defend cutback.

• 5 here finding an open boday shape just below the edge of the six and about level with the near post (let GK handle first five yards)
• 4 and 2 prioritising central space in front of goal
• 6 picking up opposition runners in seam 2 / second six. 
  

What: Defending cutbacks 
Why: We need to re-emphasise the detail of positioning to prioritise central space. Central defenders have been releasing too early to cover fullbacks.Who: Primary focus is on Central Defenders, with assistants also looking at back post fullback and 6 defending in seam 2.Where: Defensive third. Focus is how we defend centrally in front of goal. How: Re-creating the moment a fullback has been beaten in behind and encouraging match-realistic reps, allbeit with fewer attacking players to encourage success for the defending group.