Soccer: Full backs defending in phase of play

Objective: To be able to defend in 1 v 1 situations & learn how to slow down attackers and win the ball back.

Detail:

• Set up 20 x 40 area with cones marking out every 10.
• Within that area will be 4 channels of 20 x 10.
• Spilt group into 4 and give a channel each with a small goal at one end.
• Practice starts 1v1 and P1 (defender) passing into P2 (attacker) then closing down.
• Objective for P2 is to try and beat the defender and then score into goal.
• Objective for P1 to win the ball back and counter.
• Rotate around and rest whilst remaining players have a go.

• To begin the practice make sure the pass is quality & accurate.
• Delay & Deny
• Defender needs to immediately press the ball, reduce space for attacker to work in & reduce decision making time.
• Body shape/position - side on, low centre of gravity, front font defending, show away from danger or onto weaker side.
• Speed - Quick to reduce space then de accelerate on approach to give enough time to get into a good shape and position.
• Be patient and wait for trigger (heavy touch, head down, weaker side etc) to steal the ball.

Red defends blue. The blue player must try and beat the red defenders and reach one of the blue cones, with the ball still under control.

Red player 2 role is to cover the other defender. Whenever either red player gets in possession, the other red must find space so as to create a passing option.

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.

Diamond formation midfield in an 11 a side game. Reds vs blue.

Set up in the formation:

2 strikers, diamond midfield, 4 defenders and a GK.

The midfield players are attempting to channel the attackers to one side of play, to keep pushing them out towards the side and limit their options.

Encourage individuals to channel the ball and contain players in certain areas and to be aware of covering other Defenders.