Session: DO.009
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
Exercise Objectives
- Coach a team in how to defend from the front.
- Coach marking and covering.
- Coach a team how to be compact when defending.
Organisation
Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement
Set-Up
- Mark out 2/3 of a full size pitch. Start position where the yellow cone is (this can be varied). The teams play in specific formations. The defending team = 3-2-2 (Team being coached). The attacking team = 3-2-2.
- 7 attackers (Yellow)
- 7 defenders (Red)
- 1 goalkeeper (Green)
Instructions
- The yellow attacking team combines with each other to create opportunities on goal. The starting position is from the yellow cone and is a mishit pass forward to A1. Switch the roles of attacking and defending after 10 minutes. The restart positions can be varied. The coach works with the defending team to identify the key points of defending starting in the middle to attacking third, both group and individual defending. The attacking team score on the large goal. The defending team scores by passing through the gate goals.
- A1 receives a mishit pass from D3 at the start position (Yellow cone).
- A1 passes to A2 (outside full back player). Ensure the defenders are delayed so they don’t intercept. Can place a rule on no movement prior to A2’s first touch.
- The defensive unit pressures. Starting with D1 providing immediate pressure.
- Following the starting position and passing pattern the following should occur: The closest player to the ball should pressure (D1). From here the key coaching points should be discussed along with the scenarios in Diagram 2,3 & 4.
Scoring
- 2 teams compete and attempt to score. The attacking team scores by scoring on the goal. The defending team scores by playing the ball through the gate goals.
Coaching Points
- Discuss both individual and group defending.
- General attitude – switch on! ‘Who’s go who?’, transition is fast to pick up players. Get players behind and around the ball.
- Discuss concept of high or low press, depending on team tactics/strategy.
- Nearest player provides immediate pressure on the ball.
- Close down as the ball is moving.
- Communication to indicate who is pressing (i.e. from the pressing player).
- Control speed of approach so no to dive in.
- Discuss angle of approach.
- Curve runs in to press to force inside or outside (depending on team tactics and support). General rule force outside in own half. Inside in attacking half to where support is.
- Discuss secondary positioning of the centre backs and supporting mids. Refer to the diagrams below for additional explanations.
- Discuss delay, cover and support with players behind the players pressing.
- Compact the play as a team and slide to the strong side of the field.
- Defending Midfielders should be tracking any attacking runs from midfield.
- Anticipation of a long ball over the top we drop off to cover space behind.
- Anticipation to intercept and step and win the ball, as opposed to letting the attacker receive.
Diagram 2 – Pressure from the forwards/Slide to strong side
Diagram 3 – Pressure from the forwards/Slide to strong side
Diagram 4 – Pressure from the forwards/Slide to strong side