Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defensive shape

Defensive principles (20 mins)

Set Up: 

• 20x25 playing area. 
• 4 mini goals
• Pinnies, cones, and balls
• 8 to 9 players
• 4 players on each team

Activity: 

4 attackers play against 3 defenders to begin. The defending team must begin each play behind half and the attacking team must be positioned in their own half. A fourth attacker is positioned in the 5x5 box in between the two goals and that attacker cannot leave the box throughout each play. A player on the defensive team at the edge of the playing area passes the ball to one of the attacking players. The defensive team can press over half as soon as the pass is received but are allowed to move freely in their own half before the ball is received. The attacking team can move freely anywhere on the field after the first pass is received and must pass the ball into the boxed attacker at least once before they're allowed to score in one of the goals. If the ball goes out of play or a goal is scored, the teams reset and begin again. If the defenders win possession, they can score in either of the 2 goals in the opponents half. Switch the roles of the attackers and defenders half way through.

Progression:

• The defensive team can press into the opponents half before the first pass is received.

Regression:

• As soon as the attacker receives the pass, the defender that begins the play can join the defensive team with a defensive recovery run to get behind the ball.

• Role of first defender - pressure
• Role of second defenders - cover
• Role of third defenders - balance
• When to press and when not to press
• When to use high block, mid-block, low block