Contact Help center
Football Football
HOME Football SEARCH

Football: defensive

defensive DRILLS
View All

1 V 1 - 3 Goal Game

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.

Defending

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

Clear the Decks

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.

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

Pass and Move

Set up a 3 vs. 3 game in a quarter of the pitch. Each team elects a goalkeeper. This player is allowed to use their hands in the defensive end zone. They are not allowed to stay inside the defensive area and must also go forward as an outfield player during attacks on the opposing goal. A team must make at least 2 passes before they can shoot on goal. Award 3 points for every successful pass and 5 points for every goal. The first team to 21 points wins.

Passing and Receiving

Playing From The Back

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.

Defending

Run and Turn

Play 3 v 3. Each team elects a goalkeeper. This player is allowed to use his hands in the defensive end zone. He must also go forward as an outfield player during attacks on the opposing goal. Rotate keepers every two minutes. When a player receives the ball, he should try to move forward with it. Award 3 points for every successful turn; 5 points for every goal; 1st team to 21 wins. Allow the players to pick scores for different skills.

Dribbling

Table Fusball

Position players in pairs and singles in the zones as shown in the diagram. Players must stay in their respective areas. Goalkeepers can throw or kick the ball into any area. The object of the game is for defenders (lone players) to pass to attackers(pairs) who attempt to shoot on goal. If a defensive player blocks the path to goal, the player in possession should pass the ball to a teammate in a better scoring position. Change positions after a period of time or after a goal is scored by either team. Progressions:1. Add players for groups of 2 and 3.2. Add more balls for younger players.3. Make it 2 touch for older players.

Shooting

Total Soccer

Play a game of 3 v 3. Each team elects a goalkeeper that is allowed to use their hands in the defensive area as well as go forward as an outfield player. Rotate keepers every 2 minutes. Select scores for various skills demonstrated.

Conditioned games

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

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

Defensive Header - 3 Player Re...

Defensive header relay. 3 players with one ball. Front player of the 2 players throws up the ball to the heading player, after the player throws the ball he has to try and close down the heading player. The player heading the ball has to head the ball over the approaching player to the 3rd player waiting to catch the ball.

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

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

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

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

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

Heading Variations Heading - F...

Working in pairs one player feeds whilst the other player is the returning player who heads the ball back to the feeder's hands. However, the returning player must have their wits about them as they need to listen out to the feeder's call. The feeder has three calls - Feet, attacking and defensive. Depending on the call the heading player must perform a different sort of header.

General

Total Soccer Conditioned games...

Play a game of 3 v 3. Each team elects a goalkeeper that is allowed to use their hands in the defensive area as well as go forward as an outfield player. Rotate keepers every 2 minutes. Select scores for various skills demonstrated.

General

Touchdown Football Conditioned...

Two teams try and score by running the ball into their opponent's scoring zone and stopping the ball dead. Rules are: 1. You can only pass backwards. 2. The defensive players are not allowed to go beyond the line of the ball. 3.  Players can run with the ball and tackle. 4. If this game is spoilt by too many tackles, then change the rules to rugby league (the attacking team can have their attack broken down 6 times before having to give possession to the other side).

General

Football: Full backs defending...

Objective: To defend as a full back in a 1 v 1 situationDetail:This practice uses only 4 players (2 full backs 1 winger 1 GK).Use half a pitch down either side.Serving full back serves the ball from the half way line into the winger.Defensive full back starts 10 yards outside the 18 yard box.Serving full back passes ball into wide player, and as ball travels defending full back pressurises the ball.Close down wide player quickly cutting off the line preventing wide player getting passed into coned area.Slow down within 2-3 yards to prevent wide player getting past, but close enough to prevent building up speed.Jockey and lead with nearest foot if ball can be won.

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

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

Overloading Conditioned games ...

The pitch set up has a defending zone and an attacking zone, divided by a midfield channel. The defending zone and attacking zone have 2 defenders and 2 attackers in each zone. The midfield channel has 2 neutral (no.10) players inside. The defenders receive the ball from the goalkeeper and play through to one of the neutral midfield players (with the attacking players trying to stop this). The neutral players then play into the attacking players and join the attacking zone to create a 3v2 overload. Try to score in the opposition goal. Progression 1: Neutral players are split iinto one player for each team (i.e. one becomes blue, one red). These players are unnoposed to begin with in the central channel (but this makes only one midfield player to play into from the defensive zone).Progression 2: Central zone players become opposed (i.e. the opposition midfield player can intercetpt etc). The ball can be set back from the midfield players into the defensive players to play through into the attacking zone. Progression 3: The midfield players can drop into the defensive zone to make a 3v2 overload.

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

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
defensive SESSIONS
View All

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.

Defensive Confidence in a 1 vs...

Don't be let down by your defenders in a one vs one show down, use this session and give them the skill and confidence to deal with one on ones

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the Long Ball

Don't let route one football be the downfall of your defence! Use this plan to practice how to move and defend against the ball over the top.

Defending in & around the penalty area

Nail down the roles and responsibilities of defending in and around the box to be able to maintain structure making your team hard to break down.

Team Defending

Develop a team mentality that works to win the ball back and swarm in groups. Understand the roles and responsibilities of team defence to shut out the opposition as a unit.

Heading

Heading the ball is a skill that, despite its benefits, manay amateur and young players shy away from. Develop the correct technique and break down any stigma that is attached with it. You’ll soon see your player flourish into dominant players in the air.

Defending as an individual, unit & team

Make defending a challenge that the whole team relishes. Work your players hard with this session to develop their mentality into one that looks to win the ball back as quickly as possible.

Full backs defending

In this position specific session, work specifically with your full backs to develop their understanding on how to defend when isolated and in a unit

Defensive Confidence - Dealing...

Hold up and don't over commit - Shadow, channel and hold up the opposition to keep the opposition away from your danger area!
defensive ANSWERS
View All

i currently run a u13 boy footballs team. What would?

i currently run a u13 boy footballs team. What would be a good drill to get the players to shut the ball down.Because my defenders seem to stand back and let them shoot thanks dennis

dennis Coach, England

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

Some 11 year olds are joining our team and are moving?

Some 11 year olds are joining our team and are moving from 7-a-side to 11-a-side. What should I practice with them to help this transition?

Archived User Coach

How to defend and attack set pieces?

HOW TO DEFEND AND ATTACK SET PIECES

Archived User Coach

where on the field can I play a slow player

where on the field can I play a slow player

Archived User Coach

Teaching young players about offsides?

Any drills for teaching young players about offsides and more importantly keeping a good defensive line and moving as a unit

wayne nimblette Coach, England

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

Where to play our tallest strongest player

We have a tall strong player in our under 12 team, he is well built but we are not sure what his best position is ie out and striker or centre back he tends to go on long runs and can withstand strong tackles but he does try to do too much and can tire, he doesn't always pass when he should and often will shoot wide where placing his shoot would be better any suggestions ?

Archived User Coach

Positioning drills in attack/ deffence

How to make young players to work on their positioning in an attacking or defensive situation Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Archived User Coach

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

Attacking and recovering with midfielders

When my team attacks the near the opposing teams 18 box, we always seem to give the ball away to the other team and my midfield is never covered adequately. What is the best way to balance trying to attack but still maintaining shape from a defensive standpoint?

Hunter Williams Coach, United States of America

4-3-3 and U23s - basic coaching methodology

I'm coaching a u23 development squad and due to the nature of them bringing eligibility rules this year, we have a squad of variable quality. Any tips/drill/s plans around effectively coaching 433 would be awesome.

Daniel Rock Coach, New Zealand

Beating a high press from a goal kick 9 aside football

Could anybody provide me with any drills to beat a high press from the opposition when we are taking a goal kick, during a under 11 9 aside game. The team is a developing side with very mixed abilities. Our goalies cannot kick the ball far which leads us to lose possession around the 18 yard box.Any ideas would be much appreciated?

r webster Coach, England

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

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

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 I improve defensive sh...

With my U16 team, I often like to use high presses throughout matches and have scored a number of goals as a result. The problem is, often the triggers are only recognised by a few of the players, leading to a failed press. Obviously I will have to work with them on recognising press triggers, however how can I help improve the overall team shape after a press has failed? For example, say 3 players; a left midfielder, centre midfielder and centre forward in a 4-3-3 have attempted a press in the opposition's right back position. The press has failed and now the team is 3 players short and facing a counter attack.

Ben Lowry Coach, England

Teaching young players about o...

Any drills for teaching young players about offsides and more importantly keeping a good defensive line and moving as a unit

wayne nimblette 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

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
5 Ways to Kickstart 2025 with Sportplan

5 Ways to Kickstart 2025 with Sportplan

Here are the 5 ways that you can kickstart your 2025 in the correct way with Sportplan and make this the best coaching year you have had!

December 31st, 2024
|
Cam Hughes
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
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
crossingoverlapsession plansfitnessgoalkeepersoccerfirst touchdribblingdefending3rd man runpossessionwarm upsheadingshootingcreating spacebarcapassingcornerswarm uppre season

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