Defending Drills for Under 8s

Defending Drills for Under 8s

Hi we have just started out as a team and in the few friendlies we have had the children are not defending at all. I understand at this age to keep it easy and interesting but would welcome any tips I could use in training.Thanks

Bill CampbellCoach, England
ANSWERS
Georgia LeadbetterCoach, England

Hi Bill,

I also find it challenging to coach defence to younger age groups as all they want to do is score!

I recommend looking in the `Defence` section of the Sportplan football drills - there`s a lot of ideas there!

This is one of my favourite drills for a younger group. This game keeps things fun as it still contains the shooting element and I`ve found it works particularly well as it encourages the team to communicate whilst defending. Once my team worked out how to communicate well on pitch our defence saw a turn around.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Georgia

Defensive Pressure

DESCRIPTION
Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers stationed in each of the goals. Balls are placed around the field so that as soon as a ball goes out, the closest ball is played in. As soon as a player receives the ball from the goalkeeper or an outfield teammate, he should attempt a shot on goal. The defending team must attempt to pressure the ball carrier and closely mark all other attacking players.

Defensive Pressure

DESCRIPTION
Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers stationed in each of the goals. Balls are placed around the field so that as soon as a ball goes out, the closest ball is played in. As soon as a player receives the ball from the goalkeeper or an outfield teammate, he should attempt a shot on goal. The defending team must attempt to pressure the ball carrier and closely mark all other attacking players.
Login or Join Now for FREE to post your answer

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ football drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans

TRANSFORM YOUR TEAM'S SEASON WITH PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED SESSIONS

Use our expert plans or build your own using our library of over 700+ drills, and easy-to-use tools.

JOIN NOW

VIEW MORE QUESTIONS

See the whole archive of questions.

QUESTIONS ARCHIVE

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ football drills
  • create professional football coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested football plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of football coaches plus 500+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT