Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Negative 3-5-2

Defensive shift

DEFENSIVE SHIFT:

On defense in he 3-5-2 we will drop into a depth zone defense.

1) The right defender is on-ball. His primary job is to slow the attack and KEEP HIM OUTSIDE. Once the season progresses he will have added responsibilties. For now, he must slow him down and KEEP HIM OUTSIDE.

2) The sweeper shifts to the "Cover" position. His primary job is to back-up the on-ball defender AND prevent the connection of a pass/cross in the shaded area. He must see all threats in the shaded area.

3) The left defender shifts to the middle of the box (in-line with the sweeper) in what is called the "balanced" position. His primary job is to prevent a pass/cross in the shaded area. He must also know where the backside support is and adjust until he arrives.

4) The left winger must hustle to the backside support called the "Super Balance". His primary job is to prevent a pass/cross in the shaded area. He is in-line with the balance and cover.

5&6) The holding mids drop down but not as deep as the cover, balance and super balance. The creat depth on the defense. Primary job is to defend the higher shaded area. They also must be ready to collapse down if the ball is able to penetrate into the box.

7) The ball side winger primary job is to prevent/deny the supoort. This is usually a mid supporting the run behind or just inside the line of play.

Attacking mid and forwards (not pictured) must work back into space as an outlet out of our defensive third. If under heavy attack the attacking mid will need to drop as a 3rd holding mid (game situation).