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When a defender is applying pressure to an attacker with the ball it’s important that they have back up in the form of a second or covering defender. That’s to ensure that if the attacker beats the first defender, any progress is stifled by the second one.

What this session is about

Providing cover for a team-mate who’s face-to-face with an opponent
Directing attackers away from goal
Making opponent’s play predictable

What to think about

The covering defender should be in a position to make an effective challenge if the first defender is beaten
Stand at a slight angle and goal-side of the first defender.
Communicate early and clearly - for example, advising the team-mate to "get closer" or "force them down the line".

Set-up

4 players - 2 attackers versus 2 defenders - in each group.
Each playing area measures approx 10x30 metres.

Warm up	Session	Development	Game Situation	Warm Down
7-10 minutes	20-25 minutes	10-15 minutes	15-20 minutes	7-10 minutes

What you get your players to do

Attacker 1, acting as a server, passes the ball to attacker 2
Attacker 2 attempts to dribble to the end line
Defender 1 challenges the attacker
DEfender 2 provides cover

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