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defender DRILLS
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2v1 Functional Play

Player 1 starts with the ball. The ball is played in with pace to the feet of player 2. As the ball is played in player 2 moves to the ball, and with their first touch aim to bring the ball inside and round the defender. The same can be done on the outside towards the touch line.

Passing and Receiving

2v1 To A Goal

Set up as shown with two attackers and one defender, with the defender positioned closest to the goal. Attackers must look to pass the ball quickly  before dribbling it into the goal.

Passing and Receiving

4 v 2 Rotation

Four players are placed in a grid with two defender. The four attacking players aim is to keep possesion as long as possible. The player who makes the mistake must swap over and become the defender.

Possession

Functional Team Space

Players 1 and 2 pass the ball back and forth. Player 4 tries to create space so that player 3 can receive the ball on the inside and have a free run onto goal.

Passing and Receiving

Goals, Goals, Goals 3

Three players line up facing each other. Player 1 plays the ball into player two's feet. They meet the ball and turn before playing a wall pass with player 3, and once the ball has returned, player 2 then shoots first time.

1 v 1 skills

Minefield Passing

In both the wide channels put one defender and two attackers. Both attackers in the same rectangle must touch the ball before trying to pass to the other attackers. However the ball is not allowed to touch the floor in the minefield area (middle box). If the pass doesn't find its intended recipient because it falls short or is intercepted the player who passed the ball swaps over with the defender in their area.

Possession

Only Square Passes

Set up a minimum of 4 pairs of cones in a straight line and get players into pairs, with a player from each pair stood behind the starting cones. In this pairs passing exercise players are only allowed to use straight passes (no diagonal balls). The first pass is played from player 1 (p1) to player 2 (p2). P1 then runs diagonally across the grid to receive the return pass from p2. After passing the ball to p1, p2 must also run to the cone diagonally opposite to receive the next pass. The drill continues in this way until players reach the final cone.

Passing and Receiving

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

Scoring From Crosses 1v1

Two Players are placed on the wing.2 central Players begin their run once the crosser has taken their first touch.After the cross has been delivered swap roles.

Crossing and Finishing

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

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

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

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

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

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

1v1 1 v 1 skills - Football Dr...

The feeder starts with the ball. They play the ball with a push pass forward. As the ball is played players 1 and 2 sprint to the ball. The first player to touch the ball becomes the attacker while the other player becomes the defender.

General

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

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

Stealth Dribble Dribbling - Fo...

Station 1 player on each end line and a lone defender in the middle of the area. Repeat in 3 other areas for a total of 12 players. The outer players each have a ball. The object of the game is for the outer players to get over the middle line without losing the ball to the middle player. The middle player can only move along the line between the cones. If the defender wins the ball, then the attacking player and defender change places and roles. Keep score of how many times a player can get over the line without losing the ball.

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

Passing and Finishing Passing ...

Position 5 Attackers as shown in the diagram, with Player 4 being marked by a Defender.Pass 1 > 3 > 2 > 4 > 5, with 5 running round from behind 4 to collect the pass.As ball is travelling from 3 to 4 then 5 makes the run. It is key that he doesn't go too early. Set this up on the left and the right, You can play both sides, with Player 1 passing alternately to the left and then right. Form a line of players ready on the centre circle ready to make it a continuous drill.Each Player moves to the starting position of the Player they just passed to, except 5 who becomes the Defender and the Defender who joins the line of 1s.

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

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

Bull Dog Dribbling - Football ...

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.

General

Football: Passing wide to cros...

Set up:Cone off an area 2 areas: Width 44 yards length 20 yards one above the other. At each side of one area have an extra square of 5 yards.Set up a 2 goals, one at the top of the areas and one at the bottom.Red team players: GK, 2 Defenders in the bottom area, 2 Attackers in the top area and 2 wingers, one in each 5 yard square. Blue team players: GK, 2 Defenders in top area, 2 Attackers in bottom area.Description: Red team start with the ball.Passes:GK -> Defender (or straight to winger) -> wingerWinger crosses to one of the Attacking players who can either pass the ball to the other Attacker or take a shot.If Blue team win the ball then they can go for goal although they don't have the same wide options.

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

2v1 To A Goal Passing and Rece...

Set up as shown with two attackers and one defender, with the defender positioned closest to the goal. Attackers must look to pass the ball quickly  before dribbling it into the goal.

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

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

2 v 1 overlap switch Shooting ...

Two attacking players against one defender. The player who starts with the ball passes the ball square to the other player. This player runs towards the defender (isolating the defender) allowing the other player to loop round and overlap them to receive the ball in the space created. After receiving the pass this player should then have a shot at goal.

General

Interceptor Possession - Footb...

Four players with one ball can only be outside the square of cones. Only one defender is allowed inside the square. The players on the outside have to pass the ball through the square to score a goal. The ball must remain on the floor. The player in the middle tries to intercept the ball. Players should move the ball around at speed to move the defender out of position and create pass to pass across the square.

General

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defender DRILL CATEGORIES
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Defending Drills
Dribbling Drills
Defending Drills
Dribbling Drills
defender SESSIONS
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First Defender Technique - Sta...

Teach your defenders resist diving in and stand up to hold up attackers when they're the first line of defence!

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.

Making the Pass Playable

Take things back to basics and nail down the simple skills to play with fluidity. Pass, dribble and receive with a quality with this session that sharpens your players basics.

Change the Point of Attack

Move the opposition's defence and practice passing into space with this switching session - working on quick and accurate passes.

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!
defender ANSWERS
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How to best combat through balls

How to best combat through balls

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

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

What's the best way to teach players about positioning?

I am coaching 11 7 to 8 year olds what is the best way to teach them about positioning

mark davies Coach, England

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

Attacking the ball for U10s

I am a coach of a U10 girl’s team, who for the majority haven't previously played.   I'm finding that they are now shying away from the ball and moving backwards instead of closing the gap, tackling or putting the attacking team under pressure when they have the ball. Does anyone have any tips or drills that I can use to help them overcome this?

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

Private Coaching - Session Ideas

Hi guys, I've got one of my best players come to me with his father and ask if I could hold a 1hr30mins session for just him to improve his football overall. He's got good ability, so does anyone have session ideas I could implement aswell as techniques to use when coaching one on one, as I've not done it before?

Oliver Perkins Coach, England

Looking for a man marking drill

Does anyone have a good man marking drill. My players tend to ball chase and leave their opponent open.

Fritz Mizell Coach, United States of America

Improving speed and normal aggression

I have u13 players that play slightly slower and less aggressive than expected. They can control the ball fine but they lack speed and normal soccer aggression during games. How can I help improve speed and aggression? Are there drills that are geared towards these two areas that need improvement? Thanks,

Kasompe Coach, United States of America

soccer drill to defeat defender

how to defeat defender in 1 on 1 situation

nischal Coach, Nepal

creating space for yourself to receive the ball (soccer)

Does anybody had make any session based on the topic creating space for yourself to receive the ball ?if yes would it mind sharing it with me ?Yousef Best regards

yousef Coach, Canada

Developing Dribble Dash

Hi all ,As part of my course I have to develop dribble dash into more of a game format.Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.Thanks

Bill Campbell Coach, England

Progression on shooting drill below

Can I add a defender for some added pressure

Rohan Coach, Saint Lucia

Private Training

Hello Coaches; I have a player who plays as a defender and he wants to start private sessions with me. Any help about the best drills that I can do for him to improve as a defender and improve on the ball (running with the ball

Bashar Al-Amin Coach, Lebanon

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

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

soccer drill to defeat defende...

how to defeat defender in 1 on 1 situation

nischal Coach, Nepal

Progression on shooting drill ...

Can I add a defender for some added pressure

Rohan Coach, Saint Lucia

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

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