As was shown in the Barcelona v Chelsea game, there is a lot to be said for positive, and sometimes opportunistic, approach play in football.
When the ball is turned over and possession is lost it's important you put pressure on the attacking team collectively, from congesting the midfield to cutting off the channels and preventing the fast break. The key here is to force the error quickly, regain possession and look for depth once again (this is what lead to Drogba's extra time goal).
To get your side defending with a Chelsea-like-doggedness we start this session with a number of agility drills to work on fast footwork and explosiveness without the ball, preparing your players to apply pressure on the ball quickly, as soon as they have lost it. Following this we then focus on the following defensive techniques:
in more ways than one
sportplan_netball
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
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.
Possession without purpose is pointless. These drills combine ball retention with physical conditioning to create teams that dominate and outlast opponents.
Teams have just 6 seconds to exploit a turnover before defences reorganise. Learn how to train your players to attack with speed and purpose.
![Football Lesson Plan: Sessions for players of all ages [with a ✮✮✮✮ coach rating]](https://media.sportplan.net/thumbnail/upload/sessions/7530/1837/9188266/i/b.png)
![Football Lesson Plan: Sessions for players of all ages [with a ✮✮✮✮ coach rating]](https://media.sportplan.net/thumbnail/upload/sessions/61a8/1805/9029185/i/b.png)
