Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): The Defensive Transition

Screen 2 (25 mins)

Transition Practice.

Reds pass the ball inside there grid moving the ball laterally. As the ball enters the defenders space, The opposite Defender presses.

On the coaches whistle, the play becomes live, the defenders must look to win the ball high, or drop in to a defensive shape. Depending on the situation and the positioning of the ball, the opponent and team mates.

The defensive team must defend from the inside out looking to protect the central areas.

Players must recognise the roles of the first second third and fourth defender.

Screen 4 (40 mins)

3/4 Full Pitch

1) Coach how to regain possession in the final third.

2) Coach how to prevent opposition playing forwards.

3) Coach how to regain possession in max. 6 sec.

Instructions

• Game starts when the ball is played in by White Team. No corner kicks. After a goal, foul or out for the defending team the game is restarted by White Team. Two teams compete and attempt to score.

Scoring

• The attacking team scores in the full sized goal. After gaining possession defending team scores by scoring in one of the three small sized goals as soon as possible.

Progressions

• Add more attacking players. Create more complex decision making.

• Make the pitch longer. Add defending team’s strikers.

• Move into 11v11 game.

• Add bigger goals for defending team to attack into.

Coaching Points

1) Be prepared mentally for defensive transition. Concentration and readiness.

2) After losing possession react quickly! First seconds are the most important!

3) The nearest player to the football (1st defender) closes down player with the ball. Aggressive

attitude and immediate pressure are vital.

4) 1st defender – shut down as quickly as possible, slow down, stay down, stay on your toes,

tackle (prevent playing long ball). Opponent should not have a possibility to look up.

5) Force opposition wide or back. Prevent switching play and close your opponent in one part

of the pitch.

6) Show courage and aggression (be hungry to get the ball back).

7) Communicate with each other – loud, clear and precise (1st defender gives signal) –

communication language

8) Players around the football – mark all the players close to the ball (prevent playing short pass).

Stay tight. Priority is to cover players in front of the ball.

9) Supporting defenders also look for pressure. Doubling up in wide areas of the pitch.

10) Players away from the football – stay close to each other, be compact and balanced. Act as a

team. Prevent turning and running into space.

11) Track forward runs.