Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Phase of play defending final third and transition

Zonal defending warm up (15 mins)

Organization:

In open area, Players work in groups of three.

Instructions:

Players pass the ball amongst themselves until coach calls defend at which point player

with the ball and places his foot on top of the ball.

Then the two players without the ball provide pressure and cover.

Pause for three seconds then continue passing.

Coaching Points:

Communication - I got ball - force left/right.

Angle and speed of approach.

Defensive stance.

Proper distance and spacing

Defending the Final 3rd (30 mins)

Use half field. 6 or 7 attackers vs 8 defenders and a keeper

Attackers are attacking the large net. Defenders are protecting if they win the ball can transition to attack and score by dribbling through any of the 3 gates at half.

If ball goes out or into touch play restarts with attacker A

Coaching Points:

Back four working together with holding midfielder.

Pressure - cover - balance.

Communication.

Shape and spacing.

Other midfielders compact defensively, pressure near ball, cover and balance

Transition to attack on winning posession