Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): DUSC - 1v1 Defending/Defending Principals - U10 -RG

1v1 defending (15 mins)

Setup and Equipment: 4 cones create a rectangle 6x15 in an apporpriate part of the field. A supply of balls at one end closest to goal. Place an additional cone or disc in corner goal side to create a target gateway. Place a cone halfway down the rectangle (goal side)

Have 3 defenders line up behind the halfway cone goal side with 3 attackers line up behind the cones towards centre field.

Activity: Server (A) plays a pass to the waiting attacker (B). B cannot dribble until they receive the ball behind their cones. When the ball passess defender C, they leave their cone to close down the attacker. Attacker is trying to dribble the ball through the gate created by the server area. If defender wins the ball, they dribble past the attackers starting line for 2 points.

Coaching Points:

Close down quickly.

Come under control and don't dive in (angle of approach)

Body shape and position (side on)

Eyes on the ball (look for opportunity to win ball)

Progression 1:

Add a wall passer for the attackers to use.

Progression 2: widen the area to 1yards and add second attacker and 2nd defender to create 2v2.

Team Defending 7v6 (20 mins)

Setup: The fensive team (2 Backs and 3 mids). Attackin Team (1 attacking striker and 3 midfielders 2 backs, small target goal at the bottom of the cricle. Supply of balls with keeper

Activity:

Ball starts with keeper who plays a goal kick out to one of the attacking midfield players. Attgackers try to play and score. defenders attempt to win ball and outlet into the small target goal

Coaching Points Defense Focus:

Compact shape (protect the middle of the pitch)

Good communication (shift together)

Move as the ball is moving

Closes player pressures (speed of closure, body shape and angle, make predictable)

Support players cover and balance