Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 1v1 Defending: Applying Pressure on Ball Carrier

Warm Up: Thigh Taps (5 mins)

Set Up: 

• Players: 10-12
• Area: 15m x 15m 

Explanation:

• Split players into pairs 
• The aim of the game is for a player to tag their partner on the back of the thigh. If they are successful they get one point
• The player with the most points after 30 seconds wins 1 set. Play 3-5 sets.

Coaching Points:

• Teaching the players to position their bodies 'Side-on' (As if they are on a surf board). 
• Keep a low centre of gravity

Skill Training (20 mins)

Set Up:

• Players: 10-12
  
• Grid Size: 2 grids 20m Long x 15m Wide with a small goal at one end and two 2m gates at the top. 

Explanation: 

• In the area shown in the diagram, 1 attacker plays against 1 defender. 
• The defender will play a pass into the attacker at the top of the grid. Once the pass is played, the defender is to apply pressure on the attacker. The attacker will try to score in the goal while the defender must defend. 
• If the defender wins the ball they must play a pass to a 

• Can you apply pressure on the ball carrier?
  
• Can you ensure you arrive with the right body position (surf-board)?
• Can you make play predictable for the attacker on the ball? (E.g Show him the line)

Step up:  

• Reduce grid size
• Add two touch limit 

• Introduce time limit for the attacking team to score 
• Introduce a second defender