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Defending drills and games

The defensive soccer drills and games in this section will help you coach your players to work as a unit at the back. We look at how your players should organise themselves, what are their roles and responsibilities as defenders, and how they should react in different defensive situations.

With work, you should be able to coach your players to control the game at the back and to start great passing moves leading to goals at the other end.

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Better marking

Gives players a chance to improve their ability to track an attacking opponent and protect a goal.

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Mark the space and the player

Develops a defender’s ability to multi-task as they need to cover an opponent and a through ball.

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Marking decisions

Encourages players to make good choices when it comes to marking the opposition.

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Secure the box

Helps defenders understand the importance of marking tightly in the penalty area.

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Pumpkin drop off

Get players talking, connecting, and dribbling the ball, with a spooky backdrop.

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El Chaos

Adapted from a Barcelona academy drill, competitive 1v1s with points, and forfeits, at stake.

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Challenge accepted

A 1v1 activity to encourage defenders to learn the right techniques to successfully win the ball.

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Individual pressing

Develops players’ understanding of when and how to shut opponents down before winning the ball.

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Make recovery runs

Gives players an awareness of the necessity of recovery runs and where they should run to.

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Execute the high press

Developing players’ ability to work as a unit and apply pressure up the pitch.

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Warm-up: React to losing the ball

A session to help your players work on their reactions to losing possession. Use this session as a standalone activity, or combine it with ...

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Practice: React to losing the ball

A session to help your players work on their reactions to losing possession. Use this session as a standalone activity, or combine it with ...

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Small-sided game: React to losing the ball

A session to help your players work on their reactions to losing possession. Use this session as a standalone activity, or combine it with ...

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Practice 2: Defending 1v1

A session which focuses on the basics of 1v1 defending – protecting space, closing down and tackling. Use this session as a standalone ...

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Small-sided game: Defending 1v1

A session which focuses on the basics of 1v1 defending – protecting space, closing down and tackling. Use this session as a standalone ...

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Practice 1: Defending 1v1

A three-part session which focuses on the basics of 1v1 defending – protecting space, closing down and tackling.

Trusted by thousands of coaches

Volunteer coach

You volunteered to coach but have no coaching experience or qualifications. You’re short of time and could benefit from being told what to ...

more

Travel / ODP coach

You’ve been coaching a while but are looking for ideas and inspiration to help you take your team to the next level.

more

High School coach

You’re looking for an extra edge in the pursuit of excellence and will do whatever you can to help the players in your care be successful ...

more

Director of Coaching

You manage a team of coaches who rely on you for coaching plans and advice. You could benefit from finding a reliable resource to help them ...

more

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Forcing the play

Use this activity to train your players to make opposition forwards go hungry by cutting off their supply lines.

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Small-sided game: Exploiting overloads

Develop players’ understanding of when and how to make the most of a numerical advantage.

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Practice 2: Exploiting overloads

Develop players’ understanding of when and how to make the most of a numerical advantage.

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Practice 1: Exploiting overloads

Develop players’ understanding of when and how to make the most of a numerical advantage.

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Full-back attack

Use this practice to encourage your wide defenders to make supporting runs up field and get attempts on goal.

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Practice: Through the thirds

Develop your players’ ability to play through a crowded midfield with this session.

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Small-sided game: Through the thirds

Develop your players’ ability to play through a crowded midfield with this three-part session.

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Warm-Up: Defending in our half

A three-part session focusing on defensive principles and developing defensive techniques.

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Defending drills and games

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Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club

Paul Butler, Florida, USA

Rick Shields, Springboro, USA

Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada

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