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Football: protect

DRILLS (24)SESSIONS (9) ANSWERS (4)

protect DRILLS

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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

Square Drill Passing and Recei...

The first player passes the ball along the outside of the square, then sprints to the opposite corner. He can sell the mannequin a dummy on the way past or touch it and retreat two yards, before playing the foot and setting off on the sprint. The player who receives the pass takes a touch then passes the ball on and does the same.

General

Safe House Conditioned games -...

The 2 players in the square must protect the square and stop the ball carriers to entering the square and turning out of the square. One point is scored by each player carrying out the objective.

General

Six Goal Game Conditioned game...

Set up six goals on a full-size pitch (use cones/poles for goals), a small goal at each corner of the pitch and a further two goals on each side of the half-way line.Players score 1 point for their team every time they pass or dribble through the goal on the half-way line and two points for every goal scored in the goals on the corners.

General

Ball Shield - whole body 1 v 1...

Set up as shown with 2 players and 1 ball between the two.The area should be a 4x4 diamond, however the shape and size can be modified depending on the level of your players and the main aspect of ball shielding you want to achieve.Play begins with the external player making a firm pass into the middle player. The external player closes down his pass and aims to win the ball back.The player in the middle aims to keep the ball, shielding it away from the defender for 10 seconds and then acclerates out of the diamond.

General

1v1 Through Ball Goalkeeping -...

One goalkeeper working two lines of attackers outside the area and about the width of the 6yd box apart.One line of attacker has the balls and plays the ball into the attacker at the other side.Attacker receiving the ball attempts to take the ball round the goalkeeper.The first server then joins Server 2 lineServer 2 who has just run through on goal joins Server 1 line.Depending on group size have two Goalkeepers taking it in turns

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

1v1 in Pairs Goalkeeping - Foo...

Goalkeeper starts with the ball and throws it to the attackerAttacker must take a touch and try and get into the end zone to score a goal

General

1v1 Wave Drill Goalkeeping - F...

Two goals and two goalkeepers working.Get the attackers into groups of three at each end behind the goal.The GK starts with the ball and plays it out to the attackers at the opposite end.The two or three attackers then advance at pace at the goalkeeper who threw the ball.3 touches as a team to score.Then the opposite goalkeeper starts the drill and a wave of players come in from behind the opposite goal.

General

Ring the Doorbell 1 v 1 skills...

Both players face each other on either side of a line drawn between 2 cones (10 metres apart). Both players must stay on their own side of the imaginary line. Player 1 starts with the ball and to score a goal he/she must stop the ball against one of the two cones. If the ball crosses the line or player 2 puts a foot on the line next to the cone before player 1 touches the ball against it, then possession changes to player 2. Play for 1 minute then change.

General

8 v 8 four goal game Condition...

Objective: To change the direction of attack by turning in a small sided game.Detail:Half pitch practice with 4 goals (as shown in diagram).Split the group into 2 teams of 8 with no GK's.Play 8 v 8 with each team attacking and defending 2 goals.Emphasis on changing the direction of attack my turning towards another goal.

General

One v One Tag Dribbling - Foot...

Two players with a ball each stand in a 10x10 square. Player 1 has 1 minute to tag player 2 as many times as possible on the shoulder. You must maintain possession of the ball at all times; if player 2's ball leaves the square then player 1 is awarded a tag. After every tag the tagger must retire to a corner. After 1 minute, player 2 tries to beat player 1's score.

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 Dr...

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

General

Over Under and In Between Cond...

Position players as shown in the diagram, with one ball between each team. Player 1 passes the ball overhead to player 2, who passes the ball through their legs to player 3, who passes the ball overhead to player 4. When the ball gets to the back of the line, the last player runs to the front and repeats the exercise.

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

The Kneeling Block Goalkeeping...

Pair goalkeepers up with serverGK on knees, Server plays ball out to side of GKGK sticks leg out to block with feetNOTES:Arms in standard set position to start then spread as the shot is about to be takenWeight and head forward and try and stay upright rather than leaning to one sideLeg nearest the ball unfolds and stretches to make saveTry and get leg as low as possible the hamstring as close to the playing surface

General

Working up to 11 v 11 principl...

Objective: Application of the individual & unit patterns/movements of defending with a 8 v 8 practice.Detail:Set up - Half a full size pitch with sidelines brought in 10m or 70 x 50 marked out.Split the players into 2 balanced groups of 8.Give each team a scenario for the game (for example Team A are losing 2-1 with 15 minutes to go).Select a team captain who will work with their team to discuss a strategy & tactics.Individual, unit & teams roles and responsibilities when defending (out of possession).When, where, what, how & why to press in specific areas of the pitch.Hunting in packsGoalkeepers angles & distances in relation to the defensive structure.

General

Blocking in small Goals Goalke...

Use mini goals. Goalkeeeper starts on a cone behind the mini goal.Server plays a ball for the mini goal and GK blocks with legsNOTESDo not go down to early but get leg out fast when need arisesGK to make themselves as wide as possibleArms spread but slightly in front of the body

General

Pac Man Conditioned games - Fo...

This is an initial pulse raiser to get players focus; physically prepared for the session.Mark out a 20 x 20 grid with cones every 10m.On each line of the grid put a piece of equipment (poles, ladders, hurdles, cones).Put 2 players into bibs (pac men) and everyone else starts spread out next to cone.You can only move alone the lines from cone - cone. If a player comes to a piece of equipment they need to go through it efficiently.If you are caught then you're out or can join the pac men chasing.Introduce balls after a couple of games, where players can take turns to enter skill zone with ball, perform skill; pass to partner (swap).

General

Crossing and Finishing

The set up in the diagram shows how to set up for a left sided drill, but can be copied onto the right side. This drill requires quality passes to play rom the center out to the sides and create a cross oppurtunity, which will set up a shot. The ball starts at the center with player 1. It is passed on to player 2 who lays it of for 1 to pass long to 3. Player 3 turns and plays the ball to player 4. It is dribbled towards the box and crossed to either 1 or 2 who shot.

Crossing and Finishing

Safe House 2

The 4 players inside the blue square must protect the square and stop the ball carriers entering. To begin with the players inside the square are only allowed to shadow and block the outside players from entering. One point is scored by each player who successfully carries out their objective. If the defender wins the ball then the players switch roles.

1 v 1 skills

Shot Stopping from a Turn and Shot from the Angle

Ball played into feet of the attacker with a passive defender or mannequin behind them. The Server takes one touch to roll the defender and get a shot away with the second touch. NOTES: Make sure the attacker does not take too many touches The attackers first touch should be wide but not too wide to make the angle so acute that it is difficult to get on target. If this is happening cone an area off in the 18yd box where the shot must be taken inside.

Goalkeeping

Turning unopposed

Objective: Technical practice focusing on movements, quality and speed of turns unopposed. Detail: Use same 20 x 20 grid as warm up taking out middle cone only. Give each player a football. All players should dribble around the area and perform specific turns (ie. drag back, inside / outside hook, matthew's, cruyff, etc). Allow players to be creative and showcase their own turns.

Dribbling

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protect SESSIONS

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Defending counter attacks | Fo...

Make the right decisions and recognise where the main threat is when defending counter attacks. Develop your players awareness on the field to channel the danger away from goal.

1v1 Defending: Press, Contain and Deny

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

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.

Defending Deep

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

Spanish Flair: Shielding the Ball and Team Possession

Teach your players to shield the ball from defenders and play with tiki-taka flair using this Spanish-inspired plan.

Receiving priorities to shoot & score

Develop your forwards recognition of where the spaces are in tight areas and how they can use their body to receive and protect the ball to then get a shot off.

Dealing with Long Shots

Goalkeeper positioning is vital when dealing with shots from long range. Develop your keepers concentration, positioning and movement to be solid behind the speculative efforts

Retreating Defence

If it breaks down in the middle, your players need to be thinking about recovering straight away. Make it a habit with this session.

1v1 attacking play

Develop players to master a range of tricks and turns, increasing confidence and awareness of when and where to change the direction on play

protect ANSWERS

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what is to tug | Sportplan

what is meant by the players avoiding to be tug

Stephen SOOMA Coach, England

A good drill for corners | Spo...

What is a good drill to teach kids to mark up in the box when on the recieiving end of a corner. And how to get hem to use there head a lot more Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Brandon Walker Coach, Australia

Midfield cannot / will not win...

My team has just moved up to youth football 11 aside. Our defence is solid and our forwards skillfull and quick but we seem unable to win the ball in midfield. Our midfielders watch what is happening hoping the opposition midfielder will mess up, rather than attacking the ball. Encouragement from the sidelines does not seem to help. Can you suggest some training drills.

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