Choose 4 players to work as defenders and start in the central circle. The other players take a ball each & dribble around the square. 1 - on the coaches command, the defenders run to pressure and jockey a dribbling player (but don't tackle) 2 - now the player runs to pressure and see how many attackers they can tackle in 10 seconds.
Main focus is on the defending principles (3 D's): Deny the attacker any space behind them. Delay the attacker, by slowing him down - attackers are more dangerous when running at speed. Destroy - force the attacker to make the mistake and then win the ball off them. Always watch the ball and not the defenders body movement Jockeying means get down low, be on your toes and position yourself side on - so that they are not square (easy to beat).
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
Why Barcelona's favourite training exercise should be in every coach's toolkit - and how to run rondos that actually transfer to matches.
The decision-making framework that stops counter-attacks cold. Learn when to delay, when to force wide, and when to commit.
2026 brings the biggest World Cup ever, revolutionary rule changes, and new tactical opportunities for coaches at every level. Here's what you need to know.
