Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending Key Skills

1v1 Defending

Method: Defending Practice 1v1

Balls start in the location 1. Players in zone 1 attack, players in zone 2 defend, players in zone 3 receive from player in zone 3. When the player in zone 2 wins the ball he must quickly transition the ball back to zone 1.

Coaching Points:

Pressure

Up fast - player in zone 2 must apply pressure quickly, pressure should orientate the attacker to only be able to go one way.

Slow down - Defender must slow down and correctly position himself and not be beaten easily by the defender.

Side on - Defender should orientate his body to the same side as the pressured run. Emphasis on body shape, and showing the attacker 1 way.

Get Low - Defender should get low and be ready to reorientate body as required.

3v3 Defending

Method: Defending Practice 3v3

Coaching blues as the defending team, yellows as attacking. Blues serve ball from location 2 to location 1.Yellows attack goal, blues defend and transition through blue cones.

Coaching Points:

Pressure - the closest player must apply pressure, wide player to be pushed towards side line, central player to be sent one way. pressure applied through 'up fast, slow down, slide on, get low'.

Cover - next closest player to prevent through ball and be in a position to tackle if pressure player is beaten. Must be able to see their next player and the ball.

Balance - position themselves in relation to the where the ball, goal, and 3rd opposition player is. Balance player should be able to see all of the other players on the pitch, and the ball.

Progression - delay entry of the 3rd defender.