Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending Principles

Defending Activation

Method:

• Area: 25 x 20 metres
• 3 rows of coloured cones
• Coach calls a colour and team has to press that colour 
• PRESS as fast as possible.

Coaching Points:

• Three Defenders PRESS as a Unit 
• FAST - Brakes 
• Nearest defender PRESSES 
• Next Defender SUPPORTS
• Furthest Defender Extra SUPPORT
• Get Angles/Distances apart, correct
• Offside on half way
• Don’t get caught Square
• If we WIN it, Counter

5v3 Transfer Of Possession (20 mins)

Method:

• Area:  35X20 Divided into 2 15 meter zones either end with a central 5 meter zone 
• 5 Yellow players back 4 and CM 1st Zone 
• 5 Reds in Centre zone 
• 5 yellows 2 x CAMs, 2 wingers & a striker in the 3rd zone 
• Play starts in Zone 1 where the yellows keep possession for a set number of passes and try to transfer to Zone 3 who also keep possession for a set number of passes and transfer possession to Zone 1.
• When transfer pass is made, the 3 Red players that were screening now press the opposite zone and the 3 that returned from zone 1 become screening Players.
• If  red players win possession of the football they must try to score in the small goals at either end of the playing area.

Coaching Points:

Team Pressing:

• Cut passing lanes
• Press as unit
• Press, Cover, Balance
• Intercept - & Sprint to attack
• Secure the first pass.
• Sprint to T2A.