Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): C2-W6-S3 Low block - Pressure, Cover, Balance

Warm up and passing practice (10 mins)

Principals of Defence 2 x 3 v 3 focus on Delay, Cover and balance in a low block

Sub principal is how to counteract the support of 2nd attacker overloading one side. How effective is our handover.

• One set of players performs static stretches on half way line, whilst other passes ball from one end to the other. 1 min and switch x 4.
• Players without ball now perform dynamic stretches side to side on half/their half of pitch. Whilst passing combinations continue with attacking team.  Introduce the 3 different structures. 1 min x 4.

Position game (15 mins)

4 v 4+2+2GK's.

The teams must try to pentrate white horizontal lines on the pitch to unlock a cross and finish from the outside player/bouncer.

Defending team must try to block and intercept passes. 

• Nearest player to always put pressure on ball carrier (Delay). 
• 2nd defender needs to tuck in behind and to the side of pressure player (cover), 
• 3rd defender needs to tuck in alongside cover player, remaining vigilant for the switch of play (balance)

Defending team should be patient to win the ball, player nearest the ball should always look to press to delay forward action and win the ball if possible. If the ball is won, secure possession with a pass sidewards or backwards to open the pitch. If the ball cannot be won show the defender inside, and we will start to step up the pitch to intercept whilst posession is being recycled. If an interception is possible whilst possession recycling, attack quickly with forward actions (dribble or pass). Whilst possession being receyled GK should also step up and be ready to anticipate any high or disguised though balls.

Team task: Fast organisation of the block upon possession turnover. Communication and pressure are key.

Player task: If the first pass played after turnover penetrates block, and cross and goal is scored. This is worth 3 goals.

Player task: Can central players support with overlapping runs to disrupt mid block?

Player task: If overlap not available, can attacking team use mobility on opposite side to create an opprotunity to use wall pass to connect and open up penetrating pass with oppposite side bouncer?

Cues

How does defending team navigate this? Do we follow players or protect the space when they try to disrupt with mobility?

Observe and coach moments that are critical to defensive philosophy.