Defenders need to control a game by limiting options for passing and shooting, so get your players working together and communicating to channel the attackers! Body positioning is a key component of this session, as players need to know how to angle their run in and how tight to the defender they should be.
What's in the Session?
We begin with a high intensity 4 vs 1 warm up to get defenders competing to win the ball, introducing them to the goals of the session. Defenders then work together, using angles of approach, body positioning and distances to cut off passing options before engaging with a player.
These skills are used to channel the opposition in a full pitch game working on a diamond midfield.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.
Most 1v1s are lost in the first second, when the defender rushes in and dives. Teach your players to slow the attacker down, take away the dangerous option and pick the right moment, and they will win far more of them.
The FA's FutureFit framework lands this season, bringing a 3v3 entry format at Under-7s. Here is what actually changes on a Saturday morning, and how to coach it well.