In this session we work on defending off the player - this is the art of man-marking and holding the space at the same time (the best of both defending worlds).
To use this system your defenders will need to keep an eye not only on the person they're marking but also where the ball is, constantly moving to ensure they're between the player and the ball. By being on their toes and alert to everything that's happening around them your defenders improve their ability to read the game.
What's in the Session?
To introduce your players to this type of defence we start with a few cut out the pass exercises, where your players will have to track their player to intercept the pass. Once your defenders are nicely warmed up we then look to develop the defence with two mini-games, working in pairs and teams of 3, before finishing off with a full team conditioned game!
By the end of this session your players should have improved their spatial awareness, being able to track the defender's movements while at the same time positioning themselves between their man and the ball.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
The early 'shoot from anywhere' era is over. Smart teams now use data-driven decision models to decide when the two-pointer is worth it.
The short pass is being penalised more consistently in 2026. Here's how to train proper passing technique and eliminate hand-offs under pressure.
No more 50/50 toss-ups. When simultaneous infringements occur, possession now goes to the team that last had the ball. Here's what it means for your coaching.