Community | Compact and Balanced Defending

Garth Good Coach, England

DESCRIPTION

Set Up: Create a playing area which is 30 by 15, which should be adjusted to suit the age and ability of your players. Equal teams with target players at each end of the playing area. The target player plays the ball into one team as shown by the diagram, once the ball has entered the zone the players are not allowed to play the ball back into the target player who passed them the ball. The attacking team are looking to play forward to their player in the other grid with the aim to get the ball into the opposite target player. The defending team are looking to press the ball to hinder forward passes. If the defenders win possession then play starts from the opposite target player. Target players need to be rotated to involve all players in the practice. Progression: Allow the target player to play in to any player.

COACHING POINTS

Coaching Points: Pressing The defenders need to be aware that it is the nearest player that sets the press, which should only be done if they feel that they can close the distance as the ball is travelling. Support Once the first defender has made their decision the second defender needs to make an effective decision to hinder and cut out the next passing option. Body Shape Defenders need to be in a position to be able to see the ball and their man. When defending their man their defensive posture; being side on with a low centre of gravity must be stressed. Communication The defenders need to constantly share information and encouragement with each other toensure that they are an effective unit

This practice has no coaching points

PROGRESSION

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