Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Defender Session

2v2 continuous (20 mins)

2v2 Continuous

Area: 24 X 30

Time: 3 minute games

Organization:

Teams set up as shown

• Coach (D) starts game by playing ball to central player, in this case (C). (C) them plays to (A) or (B) to play to the pug goals at the opposite end. Players (E) and (F) enter game and cover the pug goals best they can. Once game has started (C) can be used for possession but does not enter the game.
• If team scores get the ball back, treat out of bounds like regular game. 
• Coach always restarts next wave with ball to central player of team in possession next.
• Must keep score to keep it competitive.

Coaching points

• First thought is always can you win ball
• Angle of approach to stop ball going forward/defending DGC
• Touch tight to player with ball
• Covering player in DGC for goal two but where you can step and help player defending ball
• When central player has possession in DGC but delaying play

4v4v4/5v5v5/6v6v6 (20 mins)

4v4v4 or 5v5v5 or 6v6v6

Area depends on age and number of players

Games: 2 or 3 minutes long

Organization:

White starts with the ball and plays 5v2. White trys to pass the ball to black in other third of field. Orange team send 2 defenders to win the ball and the remaining 3 players cover and support in midfield third to stop ball being played from white to black.

If orange wins the ball in 5v2 game they try to score in the mini goals. If midfield 3 intercept the ball they connect to black and then defensive duties change.

Coaching points:

can you win the ball

pressure on ball

Angle of approach/do not let ball travel forwards.

direct ball one way to allow 3 midfield team mates to slide and adjust to stop ball advancing.

Advancing activity:

Send 1 or 2 or 3 defenders to pressure ball.