Contact Help center
Football Football
HOME Football SEARCH

Football: defending

defending DRILLS
View All

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

Change Soccer

Position 3 players who link arms or hold hands on the goal line. Play 3 v 3 until coach shouts, "Change!" then the chain breaks and the team previously out on the field becomes the chain in goal. The original chain players now become field players. 3 players from each team form a human chain by linking arms or holding hands. These players are stationed on the goal line in front of a goal approximately 8 yards wide. The team in possession must attempt to score past the human chain defending the opposing goal. Goals and saves are each worth 1 point(players in the chain are not allowed to use their hands to defend the goal and must control the ball within 5 yards to score).

Conditioned games

Defending 1 On 1 With A Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper passes to player 2, who must attempt to dribble the ball past player 1 and score a goal. Player 1 assumes a sideways position and blocks the path to the goal. If the defender wins the ball, he should try to dribble over the end line. Rotate positions. Allow the player to shoot as soon as he receives the ball. The player must close down the space to the ball and get into line between the attacker and the goal as quickly as possible.

Defending

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

Defending the Midfield

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through. The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

Defending

Defensive Pressure

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.

Defending

Number Shooting - 1v1

Number 2 groups of players from 1-5 and get them to stand on either side of the goal. Call a number. The two players (one from each side) whose number was called race around the cones to enter the area. When a player has entered through the gate the coach feeds the ball to the side where the first player has entered. Player runs onto the ball and tries to score before the other player can make a challenge/block.

Shooting

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

Use the width to get up the pitch

Red 1 passes the ball to one of the teams to start the game. There should be 3 players in both wings and 8 players in the centre of the pitch. The wing players cannot be tackled and the central players are not allowed into the wing areas. In order to score a goal the team in possession must make 5 consecutive passes before passing out to their wide man. The wide players must both touch the ball before it is crossed in for the team in possession to attack it, with the other team defending the cross. After an attack on goal has been made the ball returns to red 1 who feeds the ball out to the other team.

Conditioned games

World Cup Headers

Groups of 4 players are paired and stationed on the sides of the area as shown in the diagram. Each team takes on the identity of a World Cup Team. The object of the game is to head the ball past the opposing team and over the opposing goal line. The player in possession serves the ball to his teammate to head towards the opposing goal line. The defending team must attempt to stop the ball from crossing their end line without using their hands. Once the ball has been stopped, the receiving player picks the ball up and serves the ball to his partner to repeat in the opposite direction. If a team heads a ball straight back and scores, the team gets 2 points.

Heading

1 Vs. 1 Channelling Defending ...

Two teams line up side by side behind their cones. When the player with the ball sets off to run around the cone the drill is live. The player with the ball must run around the cone and then try to score a goal in the defender's side goal by dribbling the ball across the line. This will score them a point. The defenders have to try and force the player to run across their own goal line or tackle them and run the ball over the line themselves. The winner is the first team to 3 goals. After this you can swap the roles around, with the attackers now defending and vice versa.

General

Shadow defending 1 v 1 skills ...

Players are working in pairs. Player 1 dribbles forward and player 2 shadows them, not trying to win the ball but trying to put pressure on the player in possession.

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

Defending Stance Defending - F...

Set up with 2 cones as shown with 2 players at each end and 1 ball. Player with the ball passes the ball across and then quickly closes their pass down. Once they get close they take a defensive stance and move backwards as the player on the ball dribbles forward. Once they get halfway the player defending quickly retreats and then receives the pass before changing roles.

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

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

4 Goal Channelling Defending -...

6 vs 6 game with 2 Floaters (who can play for whichever team has the ball).Set up an area the size of one half of the pitch. In each corner and in the middle, position 2 cones to make 5 mini goals.Also have 6 players stood around the outside of the area, who the ball can be passed to and from.After the first game, switch one of the teams out and have the outside 6 come in and form a team. Rotate round like this so they each play each other.Play 3 mins each of attacking, 3 times (9 mins in total each, 27 mins overall).

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

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

1 V 1 - 3 Goal Game Defending ...

Two players line up on opposite sides of a square. The attacking player dribbles the ball towards the centre before then attempting to stop the ball between one of the goals. The goal nearest to the defender's starting point is worth 10 points as it is the hardest goal to stop the ball in. The middle goal is worth 5 and the top goal only 1 point.

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

Football: Defending 1 On 1 Wit...

Goalkeeper passes to player 2, who must attempt to dribble the ball past player 1 and score a goal. Player 1 assumes a sideways position and blocks the path to the goal. If the defender wins the ball, he should try to dribble over the end line. Rotate positions. Allow the player to shoot as soon as he receives the ball. The player must close down the space to the ball and get into line between the attacker and the goal as quickly as possible.

General

Clear the Decks Defending - Fo...

The object of this game is for the players in possesion of the ball to clear the ball into the area on the opposite side. The opposing players have to try and prevent the players from making the clearances. When the coach calls out freeze the team with the least amount of balls in their area are the winners.

General

1 vs 2 Attacking A Goal Defend...

Two players line up on opposite sides of the grid to each other, with a third player placed between them in goal. Player 1 dribbles the ball around the cone and then tries to score in the goal. Player 2 must also run around the far cone before then attempting to stop player 1 from scoring.

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

Football: Advancement of full ...

Objective: To defend against a winger or opposite full back overlappingDetail:This practice uses 7 players (2 full backs 2 wide players 1 CB 1 Att 1 GK)Use the same area/side of the pitch as above.Serving full back serves the ball from half way line. Defensive full back starts 10 yards outside of 18 yard box.Attacking full back passes the ball to wide player. As ball travels defending full back pressurises ball. Full back can now pass to centre forward or overlapping full back.Defending centre back and wide player are added.Full Back: Having pressured wide player, if opposing full back overlaps, defensive full back tracks overlapping run.If wide player passes or dribbles inside to centre forward full back tucks in close to centre back.Wide Player: If full back overlaps, wide player to pressurise opposing wide player and force the ball down the line.Centre Back: Move within 10 yards of full back to remain compact whilst positioning ball side of centre forward.

General

Alligators Alley Defending - F...

Divide the group into teams of 4. One player in goal, two defenders and one attacker. The defenders (Alligators) adopt a crab position (belly up, hands and feet on the floor) and start in the middle of the grid. The attackers must try to dribble around the alligators and score a goal.

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

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

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

Diamond Midfield Channelling D...

Red team vs Blue team.Set up a diamond midfield formation2 strikers, 4 midfield, 4 defenders.Set up cones as shown on the diagram(3 sets of cones. 2 pairs before the top of the diamond numbered &quot;1&quot;, one pair of cones lower down in the middle of the diamond numbered &quot;2&quot;)Works on the Defence channelling the ball into certain areas.The 2 red team strikers try to stop the blue team from playing the ball through either of the &quot;1&quot; cones, so that play is encouraged into a central area (top of the diamond).Once the blue player with the ball has reached the top of the diamond, players will looks to direct him <em>outside</em> of the &quot;2&quot; cones and into wide areas (occupied by the 2 red wide midfielders).Red fullbacks need to recognise where the ball is going and move into an advanced wide position to put pressure on opposition's wide players.By doing this the red team are attempting to dictate how the ball moves.Play for half an hour.

General

defending DRILL CATEGORIES
View All
Defending Drills
Defending Drills
defending SESSIONS
View All

1v1 Defending: Press, Contain and Deny

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

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.

Plan B defending - On the edge of your Box!

Danger zone defending - create defending pressure, in and around your 18 yard box, to test your how your defenders cope!

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.

Breaking the Block

In attack, shift a deep defence and create space with clever movement and proper decision making to exploit a block of defenders.

Pressing in small groups

Press in small groups to develop your teams understanding and feel for the movement when pressing high up the field.

Transition Play

To develop and enhance players knowledge and understanding of transition play from attack - defence, and defence - attack.

Team Shape Out Of Possession ? Defending Principles

To develop players' understanding of their roles and responsibilities when out of possession - in regards to team shape and organisation.

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.

Junior Defending - Making sure all players are covered

Teach all your players how to stand up and resist the temptation to dive in. Instead jockey players and wait for the right moment to make the interception!

Creating Space in the Midfield

Develop your players understanding of space and how their movement (or even lack of at times) can create space to play in the midfield.

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.

Defending Deep

Stay compact, stay disciplined and protect a lead by defending deep with this session.

Attacking Transition In Midfield

To improve counter attacking abilities/decision making when winning the ball back in midfield

Possession Games: Defending against Overloads!

Teach your players how to hold up a counter-attack and cover at the back in this games based session.

Defending for U9s and Below

Teach young players the basics of defending - using games to teach correct body position and pressing the ball to make sure they have fun as they learn
defending ANSWERS
View All

How can you coach defending the long ball?

How can you coach defending the long ball? My team moved up to 11-a-side last season and struggled when attempting to play off-side with the high ball over the top. Has anyone got any session/drills to target this defending?

Archived User Coach

defending the long ball

defending the long ball

Archived User Coach

I am doing my level 2 football coaching and need help?

I am doing my level 2 football coaching and need help with my 12 session plans that i have to do 4 of them have to be linked can anyone help me Nigel

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

Hi i coach an under 13s side and they play great pass?

Hi i coach an under 13s side and they play great pass and move football but we are weak when defending does anyone know any decent defence drills where they are required to work as a unit

Archived User Coach

Coach doing my FA Level 2 badge, looking for skill & SSGs on pressing?

hi im currently doing my FA level 2 badge. I have just been given my final topic on " pressing " has any one got any good technique, skill and ssg drills for this. many thanks j

Archived User Coach

reply

Hi all i asked aquestion about compact defending, i then received a email telling me somebody had anserd they inturn asked me to email my address but i could not reply to them.How do i get intouch with them?also how do i get my anser?Cheers Malcolm.

Archived User Coach

Defending the through ball

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

Archived User Coach

Team thrashed every week - where to start?

Team keep getting thrashed every week - where to start? Having been the sole coach/manager of a little league team for the past two years, this year I lost all my senior players. I was therefore presented with 10 brand new lads, some of whom have never played competitive football. We are 8 games in and my lads are getting thrashed every week. The main problems are that they cannot get the ball out of their half, positions are usually a mess, finishing and chance creation are non-existent, and they don't apply any pressure or are unable to tackle. The main problems are keeping the ball as a team, getting it in the opponents half and staying there, and creating/finishing chances. I only have 1 and a half hours a week with them. I don't really know what to do, and I'm a little desperate. Does anybody have any advice? Thanks for literally anything.

Coach, England

How do you play a 4-2-3-1 formation?

wish to change my team shape has been said best formation to understand is a 4231 shape

Archived User Coach

Annual training plan for U15 players?

HI all, how can I prepare an annual training plan for football under 15 aged athletes? If you have a sample plan please attach it to your answer. Thanks!

Archived User Coach

How do I work on set pieces for under 11s?

Which drills are the best for working on set pieces for under 11s? Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Edwin Hussey Coach, England

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 Campbell Coach, England

Defending dead balls

My team always hesitates on defending corners. We set up right and then don't react. Can you help? Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Coach, England

Defender drills

Any idea's on defending on 1V1

Alan Short 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

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 Campbell Coach, England

Defending the through ball | S...

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

Archived User Coach

U12girls defensive woes | Spor...

I have a U12 girls that play8v8 with ofsides.Often times they want to hang on the 18 and wait for the attack. Despite practice. It seems some prior coaches that have coached at the varsity level feel that keeping your back line in a V formation with the center toward the goal is the best. To me having a line pressing will allow the wings and mid to get back and help. Keeping the defense back I think is bad medicine as well as creating space in between the center back and mid fielder. Allows the attack to then pass between defenders and to space. No offside advantage either. What is right. I have been able to get them to play up at least but the v formation seems to cause the advantage to the attacker. Are the higher up coaches wrong or are they trying to implement a tactic that works better with 11v11?

Archived User Coach

How can you coach defending th...

How can you coach defending the long ball? My team moved up to 11-a-side last season and struggled when attempting to play off-side with the high ball over the top. Has anyone got any session/drills to target this defending?

Archived User Coach
defending COMMUNITY DRILLS
View All

Defending in opponents half

defending drill 1

1v1 Defending

1v1 Faint (Skill Practice)

Autosave 75672568

Defending Corners

Defending 1vs1

Defending - 3v3

Autosave 17682877

Defending the counter

defending WEB VIDEOS
View All

7 defender tips to make strikers FEAR you

#football study these footballers to get better at defending

7 defender tips to make strikers FEAR you

#football study these footballers to get better at defending

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

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

in more ways than one

sportplan_football
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
History Of The Modern Olympics and Its Cultural Significance

History Of The Modern Olympics and Its Cultural Significance

How did the Modern Olympics originally begin and why are they so culturally significant today?

July 25th, 2024
|
Cam Hughes
The Professionalisation of Netball

The Professionalisation of Netball

The Professionalisation of Netball is changing the game. Here is how it is helping to develop the sport.

July 17th, 2024
|
Lucy Chatwin
Score More Goals: 5 Proven Strategies for Netball Coaches

Score More Goals: 5 Proven Strategies for Netball Coaches

Scoring more goals is often the key to victory in netball. Here's how Sportplan can help you achieve this.

July 5th, 2024
|
Cam Hughes
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
creating spacewarm uppassingbarcapossessionshooting3rd man runheadinggoalkeepersoccerfitnesssession plansoverlapdefendingdribblingwarm upscrossingpre seasoncornersfirst touch

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Excellent site with easy to navigate pages.

Lawrence Hanrahan England

The 'My Stuff' feature is amazing! It's a coach's best friend!

Thomas McArdle United Kingdom

Love the site, it's a fantastic learning tool!

Ian Mckellar America

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

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

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3rd man run barca conditioned games control corners creating space cricket crossing defending dribbling first touch fitness football games goalkeeping heading overlap passing possession pre season search session plans shooting shooting drills soccer team sheet through the gate turning drills warm up warm ups
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