Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending; Pressure/Cover (Start Time: 2017-11-08 19:30:00)

Shadow Defending (10 mins)

-40x30 area

-Half of players with ball

-Players with ball dribble around the area

-A defender closes down the player with the ball and player with ball dribbles at them

-Defender stays tight and drops in defensive postion but not actually winning the ball

-After a few dribbles attacker gives ball to defender and they switch roles while finding someone else

Emphasis:

-Proper closing down technique (Accelerate/deccelerate, angle of approach, stay low, move feet and contain, push attacker to one side)

Progression:

-Live play trying to beat defender

Pressing in small groups (20 mins)

Set Up

Area approx 20 x 20 with 5 channels at each end.

Players orgnanised in 3s at each end

Groups approx 5 from each other

Detail

Coach plays in ball to a team.

The team proceed to attack opponents 3 v 3

They attempt to move the ball into the target zone under control.

Play stops when either team score or ball goes out of play.

Progressions

Add nutral players on outside to aid team in possession

Add target player in target zone ( defenders will have to consider screening)

Coach varies service (fast/ slow/ air etc)

Coaching points

Pressing distance, stance and balance.

Support distance, depth, angle and team balance

Tracking runners

Early decision to attack or defend

Take personal responsibility for opponent

Concentration