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defenders DRILLS
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3 v 3 v 3

Station 6 players in 2 teams of 3 in 1/3 of the area and 3 players in 1 team in the other 1/3. The ball starts in the area at the top of the diagram. The 3 players in possession must attempt to advance the ball into the middle area. The team advancing the ball into this area then carries the ball into the opposing 1/3. Now they must attempt to advance the ball to the end line at the bottom of the diagram beyond the 3 players in the bottom 1/3. Defensive players must attempt to prevent the team in possession from getting the ball to either the middle area or the end line. Play continues from end to end with the winner being the first team to get to 5 points/goals. Develop so that 3 defenders become 2 defenders plus a goalkeeper. Now you have 3 attackers trying to beat 2 defenders and score past the goalkeeper.

Conditioned games

5 v 3 End Zone

The 5 attackers must get the ball from one end zone to the other without losing possession to the defenders.Encourages use of width, depth and possession.

Possession

Bull Dog

Five players start on one end line, each with a ball. One defender is stationed in the middle without a ball. All players must try to dribble past the defender to the safety of the other side on the coach's call. If the defending player manages to kick the other players ball out of the area, then that player also becomes a defender. Continue until one attacker remains.

Dribbling

Defending 2 On 1

Player 1 has a ball; the other three balls are placed on discs on the end line. Player 1 passes the ball to player 3, who must advance the ball to the opposite end line without being dispossessed of it by 1 or 2. Player 1 moves in to assume the correct defending position, forcing 3 in the direction of 2 by blocking the right side of the attacker. Players 1 and 2 combine to win the ball. If the defenders win the ball, have them attempt to knock a ball off a cone. Both defenders start on the same side of the area.

Defending

End Zone Party

Set out an endzone 5 yards wide from each endline. Play 4 v 4. One ball per group. The red team is in possession of the ball. The object of the game is to advance the ball to the attacking endzone. A goal is scored when a player dribbles the ball into the endzone and stops the ball with the sole of his foot. No defenders are allowed in this area. You can choose to make the endzones neutral such that either team can score in both endzones.

Dribbling

Piggy in the Middle

2 players are placed on the outside of the grid and 2 players on the inside. The players on the inside of the grid are the defenders but are not allowed to come out of the grid. The 2 outside players just have to keep possession by playing lofted passes over the 2 middle players.

Passing and Receiving

Team Crossing and Finishing Drill 2

The crossing player starts with the ball on the half-way line before coming forward and playing one-two's with the players in the cones, while continuing their run forward down the wing. After recieving the second pass, the crosser will now cross into the box, where two attackers will try to beat two defenders and a goalkeeper to the ball and score. The attackers start in the coned area outside the penalty area and sprint into the box once the crosser has received their second pass.

Crossing and Finishing

The Diagonal Pass

Players work in pairs, with one ball per pair. The first player makes a square pass across the grid to their partner before running onto the cone ahead. Their partner then plays a pass diagonally across the grid back to their partner who is looking to run onto the ball. The player who started the drill then plays square across the grid again to their partner running onto the ball. The players work their way up to the top of the grid.

Passing and Receiving

Through Ball in the Triangle

Set up a rectangle, 15x10m, with a player on each corner plus two defending players inside the grid with bibs on. The outside players must try to stretch the two defenders in order to make space for the diagonal pass. In order to do this they can pass laterally and use dummy passes to send the defenders. Players keep count of how many diagonal passes they have completed.

Possession

Quick deep pass - Outnumber th...

Working on playing a quick pass to the deepest player on your team. Using the route one pass to quickly outnumber the opposition's defence. After receiving the hard pass from the midfield player (red 3) the players should try to shake off the defender before then deciding to either play the pass to one of their team-mates or going it alone. Finish the drill with an attempt at goal.

General

3 Player Combination with Defe...

Set up as shown. The player in the middle starts with the ball. They play a diagonal ball into space so that the player to the right can run onto it. They then play a square ball, once the defender has committed, to the player far left who plays a 1st time ball into the middle player.

General

Defensive Unit Work Defending ...

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 yardsOpposite 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.

General

Wolf Pack Defending - Football...

The players each have a ball. On the coaches command the defending team comes in to the area and tries to kick all of the balls out. If a player gets his ball kicked out then they can stay in and help their team mates by finding space to receive a pass. If a player does a turn when pressurised by a defender then add 5 seconds onto the time.

General

Move Defender Laterally and Pa...

Move the defender laterally to create space in which to make the pass behind the defender. Attacker should make the pass through the goals at either end of the coaching square.

General

Drag and Push to Beat Defender...

Player A passes to player B and closes Player B down. Player B attacks Player A. Use the lateral drag with sole and push back to deceive the defender and beat them on the outside. Player B passes to Player A to restart practice.

General

Football: Move Defender Latera...

Move the defender laterally to create space in which to dribble the ball and exploit the space behind the defender.

General

Playing From The Back Defendin...

Play 5 v 5 +1 goalkeeper at each end. Only defending players and goalkeepers are allowed in the end zones. The game is started by the coach playing the ball into an end zone. The object of the game is for the team to score with a shot on the opposite goal. A defensive player receives the ball from the goalkeeper at the top of the diagram. The defenders must attempt to pass the ball around the area until an opportunity arises to play the ball forward to the lone striker. Defenders and midfield players must then push forward toward the opposing goal line in support of the attack. Defenders and midfield players should retain position until they are able to play the ball forward without fear of losing possession.

General

Lateral defending with cover D...

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.

General

Defensive Pressure Defending -...

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.

General

4 v 2 Possession - Soccer Dril...

Play 4 v 2 keep-away. Attackers are stationed in the corners of the grid. One ball per group. Repeat in another area for a total of 12 players. Attacker 1 starts with the ball. The object is to pass the ball around the outside and middle of the square, playing keep-away from the two defenders. Players score 1 point for a pass around the defenders and 2 points for a penetrating pass that splits the defenders. How many passes can be made before defenders force the ball out 3 times or score 1 goal? Repeat and rotate.

General

Through Ball in the Triangle P...

Set up a rectangle, 15x10m, with a player on each corner plus two defending players inside the grid with bibs on. The outside players must try to stretch the two defenders in order to make space for the diagonal pass. In order to do this they can pass laterally and use dummy passes to send the defenders. Players keep count of how many diagonal passes they have completed.

General

1v1 Protect the Space Behind t...

Attackers serving lines 30yds out. 2 static defenders centrally positioned 20yds out. First two attackers in front of the defendersServer 1 from the attacking line plays a through ball behind the opposite defender to server 2 beyond the defence line. Server 2 attempts to score whilst Goalkeeper comes out to defend the space.

General

Overloading to push up Conditi...

The pitch is split into 3 thirds with 2 defenders in the defending third, 2 midfielders in the middle third and 1 attacker in the attacking third. The ball starts with one of the goalkeepers who plays the ball into one of the defenders. The defenders play a 2v1 against the oppositions attacking player (3v1 if you include the goalkeeper) with the objective of trying to get the ball into one of the midfield players. Once this occurs, the defender who has not passed the ball into the midfield area can go and join the middle third to create a 3v2 situation. The midfield players then try to play the ball into the attacker placed inside the attacking third. ONe of the non-passing midfielders can then enter the attacking third to create a 2v2. Then the attackers try to score against the opposition. Once the ball goes dead, into the goal or is regained by the opposition, the same scenario occurs with the other team in possession and the defending team must retreat to their defensive zones.

General

Defending 2 On 1 Defending - F...

Player 1 has a ball; the other three balls are placed on discs on the end line. Player 1 passes the ball to player 3, who must advance the ball to the opposite end line without being dispossessed of it by 1 or 2. Player 1 moves in to assume the correct defending position, forcing 3 in the direction of 2 by blocking the right side of the attacker. Players 1 and 2 combine to win the ball. If the defenders win the ball, have them attempt to knock a ball off a cone. Both defenders start on the same side of the area.

General

Run out to the player - 1v1 De...

Set up a line of defenders on both sides of your 18 yard box and two lines of attackers roughly in line with the edge of the center circle.On the coach's call the attackers should sprint towards the goal. At the same time the defender should run out and try to do the following:Get themselves between the attacker and the goal.Try to channel the attacker out towards the wing.Slow the attacker down to force their head down.If possible make the interception

General

Dealing with the Backpass Goal...

Start with one Goalkeeper, 3 defenders and 2 attackers. Set up 2 mini goals outside and wide of the penalty box.Ball is played back to the Goalkeeper from one of the defending team.As soon as the ball is played back the attacking team are live and can apply pressure. Goalkeeper passes out to defending team who pass back again to Goalkeeper. The aim is to get 2 back passes in.Once 2 back passes have been achieved, a shot at 1 of the 2 mini goals can be taken.If the attacking team intercept, they are able to take a shot at the mini goals straight away.Once one sequence has been achieved, rotate Goalkeeper.

General

1-2 and cross Crossing and Fin...

Set up as shown. Player 1 starts with the ball in the middle of the field and plays a 1-2 pass with player 2 before passing out wide to player 3. At this point, players 1 and 2 run towards the penalty area, ready to receive a cross, while one of the defenders goes out wide to put pressure on the crosser. Player 3 will cross the ball into the box where players 1 and 2 will try to beat the defender to it and score.

General

Move your defender laterally D...

The attacker dribbles the ball in a confined space from left to right in order to try and move the defender. The aim here is not to get past your man but to reach the cones at either end before the defender by creating as much space as possible.

General

Retreating Defence Defending -...

Objective: Opposed practice developing recovery runs and increase understanding on roles and responsibilities. Detail: Mark out 4 channels / areas 15 x 30 (age / ability dependant). Players are organised into groups of 4. Each group work within a channel. Player one serves the ball to player 3 who attempts to beat player 2. Player 2 must retreat into own half before applying pressure.

General

6 vs 2 Invasion Game Defending...

High Intensity drillThis a 6 vs 2 invasion game. Mark out three areas in a line (each box 15m x 25m) using cones (You can adjust the area based on the level of the players and if it is too easy for the Attackers or Defenders).Start with 6 players in each of the two end areas and 4 in the middle area.The aim of this drill is for the 6 players in each end to keep possession of the ball, with those in the middle taking turns to try and win the ball. Players in the end zone have 2 touches maximum or a point goes to the Defenders.To start, a Feeder will throw the ball into one of the ends. Two Defenders will then move into the relevant end and chase down passes in an effort to win the ball back in a 6 vs 2 game.The 6 players will be passing the ball amongst themselves. Once they have completed 6 successful passes then they can pass to the opposite end. When this happens, the players left in the middle will enter that end and do the same thing.The Defenders work for 3 minutes then rotate the playing positions around.

General

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defenders DRILL CATEGORIES
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Defending Drills
Dribbling Drills
Defending Drills
Dribbling Drills
defenders SESSIONS
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Step over skills session - Confidence on the ball

The pedalada, the Denílson, or the scissors! No matter what you call it make sure your players can perform this advanced 1v1 attacking dribble

1v1 Defending: Press, Contain and Deny

Improve how your defenders contain the attacking threat in a 1v1 with this challenges and games defending session

Introducing the Overlap - Overlapping Attack!

Create the extra man with the attacking overlap - a fluid and attacking style of passing football for all players - defence, midfield or strikers

Channelling the opposition

Develop your defenders understanding of how to channel the attackers away from danger areas to slow down attacks and isolate the opposition players.

Shooting from distance - Go on, have a pop!

Encourage your players to take their chances, put their laces through the ball and SHOOT from distance!

Improving body positioning and shaping of runs

Keep the attacking fire burning and get your players opening up their body, thinking about their first touch and angling their runs up field

Dealing with attacking movement

Handle the forwards movement by recognising the forwards patterns and by reading the play to anticipate where the pass and run might go to be able to prevent it.

Clever Movement

To coach and encourage players to use specific clever movements in all areas of the pitch in order to create space for themselves and others.

Attacking with an Extra Man

Create an overload in attack by providing support to attack with an extra man. Use this session to help your forwards plus develop your defenders defending capabilities with one less player.

Switch Play - Use the full width of the pitch!

Make the most of the space on the field by getting your players into the mind-set of switching the play, rather than trying to hammer down the same congested channel each time.

Playing the Ball Out From the Back

The ?modern way? is to play out from the back. To be able to do it successfully though, you need your defenders to be comfortable on the ball when looking to pass, dribble and scan the pitch.

Working as a Defensive Unit

Drum in the defensive roles and responsibilities of your players and make sure they understand what you want from them in order to win the ball back and turn defence into attack.

Goalkeeper 1v1's

Develop your keepers mindset to stay on their feet for as long as possible and to stay big in 1v1?s and make the attacker make a decision.

Decision Making In & Around The Box

Improve combinations in wide areas and finishing in around the box!

Fitness Football

Every position demands different attributes and levels of physicality, so why don?t you train your players differently to match!? Use this session to condition your players to suit their position.

Attacking Movement, 1v1 Confidence and Overload Play

Technical 1v1 practice and overload games session, designed to improve confidence on the ball, get players making better attacking runs and prepare your team for match day

Individual defensive awareness...

Defenders shouldn’t need to make last-ditch tackles. Develop their positional and match awareness so they can dictate the play with the opposition attackers.

Defensive Balance and Compactn...

Create defenders capable to reading the game effectively and making the right decisions as to where to tackle or where to channel the attackers to slow them down. This stems from their balance and team structure which this session looks to develop.
defenders ANSWERS
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how to teach a team to play out the ball from a goal kick

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Archived User Coach

i have a test to coach a group of 8 yr olds on pressure?

i have a test to coach a group of 8 yr olds on pressure defending, does anyone have any good drills and advice on how best to conduct this test? i am new to coaching

Archived User Coach

Looking for mini-soccer 7-a-side formation ideas...

Hi, My team plays in a mini soccer league which is 7v7. Whats the best formation to play in the environment. We have played 2-3-1 all season but i was looking at 3-1-2 this season using the left and right backs as wingers aswell. Any one got any thoughts? Cheers

Archived User Coach

Defending the through ball

How can we defend the through ball from a faster team?

Archived User Coach

I'm looking for U8 team coaching ideas?

please feel free to text me or call me with your ideas %3A 07903 871542 or post a reply below

Bradley Lewis Coach, England

Working forwards and defenders at the same time?

We have a group of 10 year olds (10 of them) and wanted to make our scrimmage more effective by working forwards and defenders at the same time.My thought was to have 2 teams%3A team 1/forwards%3A score on goal and team 2/defenders that get a point for regaining the ball.Any better ideas?

Archived User Coach

How to teach players the correct positioning in 7 a side?

How do I teach players about positioning in a 7 a side game

Scott Coach, England

9 a side formations and teaching offside

I run an under 11's team and wondered what formation is best for 9v9. Also any good drills for both attacking and defending regards to off sides

Archived User Coach

How can I get my defenders to get back?

My under 10's defenders keep getting caught forward when the opposition counter attack and we concede goals because we don't get back quick enough. How can I improve this please?

heath davies Coach, England

Communication on match day

How do I get my team of 15 year olds to talk on the park they are great at training but can't transfer this to a game.

Elli Coach, Scotland

Best way to defend against a speedy forward?

Hello,I regularly play a team that has a speed forward with a good shot. I wanted to get some opinions from anyone who has had success limiting these types of players. He is probably a step or 2 faster than my normal defenders. Regularly racks up goals by being one of the fastest players in the league.In the past we have tried a 4-4-1 with a man mark. Sticking a speed guy on him the full game. It has slowed him down but also limited us on offense. We lost each game by a goal.I was also thinking about using a 5-4-1 formation with more defenders to cut down on thru ball lanes for him.Any other thoughts?ThanksChad

Chad Bruns Coach, United States of America

Defending again fast breaks

I've got a team of young women (12-13 year old) several of whom only played last season for the first time.Our first season last year was pretty good given they're young inexperienced and we rarely had subs. One area that always gets us is fast strikers getting in and behind our defense from quite a way up the field–75% of our goals are conceded that way.So any thoughts on training the team to not allow so many of these goals? TIA!

John Allsopp Coach, Australia

moving defence and midfield up as a unit

having issues with defence and midfield moving forward together when attacking any session out there to help . thanks

football first Coach, England

defenders

does anyone have any drills or ideas , how to get defenders to keep in shape while moving up the pitch etc, this is for u19 team, we play 442, what I am trying to get is when the two centre backs push up the wing backs are ahead of them

David Coach, Scotland

Keeping The Ball At The Back

I want to get my team to play possession football but some players, especially defenders get very panicked on the ball and seem to be unable to retain possession. Anyone got any ideas of how to change this?

Terry Thomas Coach, England

Defending drills

Does anyone know any good defending drills not for a team but for an individual it has been hard to find any drills other than the basics of defending and some ones to do with jockeying and body positioning.

Isaac Goodrich Coach, Australia

Working forwards and defenders...

We have a group of 10 year olds (10 of them) and wanted to make our scrimmage more effective by working forwards and defenders at the same time.My thought was to have 2 teams%3A team 1/forwards%3A score on goal and team 2/defenders that get a point for regaining the ball.Any better ideas?

Archived User Coach

STRIKER VS DEFENDER SESSION HE...

IS THERE ANY SESSIONS THAT CAN IMPROVE STRIKERS AND DEFENDERS IN 1V1 SITUATIONS FROM CROSSES AND FROM STRAIGHT ON

Tom England Coach, England

How can I get my defenders to ...

My under 10's defenders keep getting caught forward when the opposition counter attack and we concede goals because we don't get back quick enough. How can I improve this please?

heath davies Coach, England

Best way to defend against a s...

Hello,I regularly play a team that has a speed forward with a good shot. I wanted to get some opinions from anyone who has had success limiting these types of players. He is probably a step or 2 faster than my normal defenders. Regularly racks up goals by being one of the fastest players in the league.In the past we have tried a 4-4-1 with a man mark. Sticking a speed guy on him the full game. It has slowed him down but also limited us on offense. We lost each game by a goal.I was also thinking about using a 5-4-1 formation with more defenders to cut down on thru ball lanes for him.Any other thoughts?ThanksChad

Chad Bruns Coach, United States of America

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