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Football: Defensive Unit Work

Very good interactive coaching drills.

Matt

DESCRIPTION

This drill encourages players to work together in a Defensive unit and is especially relevant for midfield players.

Set up 3 areas in a line: 5 x 5 yards, 20 x 5 yards and another 5 x 5 yards

Opposite this, within shooting distance (about 15 yards), set up 4 goal areas in a line, marked by cones. The 2 inside goals will be used for the first game and then just the 2 outside goals will be used for the second game.

Have 1 player restricted to each of the 5 x 5 areas, and 2 players in the 20 x 5 area. The goal of these players is to pass amongst themselves to score (firstly in the goals marked "1" and then in the goals marked "2").

Against them will be 4 defenders who will need to work together to shut down these shooting opportunities, starting midway between the boxes and the goals.

The coach plays the ball to the Attackers, and at this time the Defenders will approach the Attackers. They cannot travel into the boxes but will use angles to try to stop a quick pass and shoot option.

COACHING POINTS

Angle of approach changes dependent on where they are trying to prevent play from going (usually based on whether they are aiming for goal "1" or "2"): once a Defender has cut off a pass they can engage with the player who has the ball
Channeling is a key goal here: body position should be used to encourage the Attackers to play in a certain direction. Defenders should be on the half turn (not square on so that if the ball gets moved they can move forwards or backwards)
Distances
- Defenders should be tight enough for pressure
- Between each of the Defensive players- don't want the gap to be big enough to play the ball through. Also if Defenders are too far apart then they can't cover
Defenders need to cover the position of the Defender engaging with the ball
Cut off passing channels

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OFTEN USED WITH...

6 vs 2 Invasion Game:

High Intensity drill

This a 6 vs 2 invasion game. Mark out three areas in a line (each box 15m x 25m) using cones (You can adjust the area based on the level of the players and if it is too easy for the Attackers or Defenders).

Start with 6 players in each of the two end areas and 4 in the middle area.

The aim of this drill is for the 6 players in each end to keep possession of the ball, with those in the middle taking turns to try and win the ball. Players in the end zone have 2 touches maximum or a point goes to the Defenders.

To start, a Feeder will throw the ball into one of the ends. Two Defenders will then move into the relevant end and chase down passes in an effort to win the ball back in a 6 vs 2 game.

The 6 players will be passing the ball amongst themselves. Once they have completed 6 successful passes then they can pass to the opposite end. When this happens, the players left in the middle will enter that end and do the same thing.

The Defenders work for 3 minutes then rotate the playing positions around.

Defending

Defending the Midfield:

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through.

The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

Defending

Defending Stance:

Set up with 2 cones as shown with 2 players at each end and 1 ball.

Player with the ball passes the ball across and then quickly closes their pass down. Once they get close they take a defensive stance and move backwards as the player on the ball dribbles forward.

Once they get halfway the player defending quickly retreats and then receives the pass before changing roles.

Defending

4 Goal Channelling:

6 vs 6 game with 2 Floaters (who can play for whichever team has the ball).

Set up an area the size of one half of the pitch. In each corner and in the middle, position 2 cones to make 5 mini goals.

Also have 6 players stood around the outside of the area, who the ball can be passed to and from.

After the first game, switch one of the teams out and have the outside 6 come in and form a team. Rotate round like this so they each play each other.

Play 3 mins each of attacking, 3 times (9 mins in total each, 27 mins overall).

Defending

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