Defend the lines
in Defending, Other, Small Sided Games
Anticipate the ball being played through the lines and intercept passes by blocking passing routes. Players will also need to be able to tackle and win the ball MORE
Tip the balance
This trio of overload attacking and defending possession drills is demanding for defenders but the rewards for winning possession is to give their team a player advantage.
What this session is about
- Defending your goal.
- Maintaining possession of the ball.
What to think about
When their team does NOT have the ball, all players must:
- React immediately to losing possession.
- The nearest player to the ball gets tight.
Supporting players “man mark” opponents close to ball. When in possession, players must:
- Use the width of the pitch.
- Passing – use the correct pace, accuracy, etc.
- Receiving – the first touch pushes the ball into space, etc.
- Provide back-up support – be available at the correct angles, distance, etc.
Set-up
| Warm up | Session | Developments | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 15 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 10 minutes |
What you get your players to do
Play 2v1 (white v black) in a 10-yard square, with a team mate of the lone player off the pitch.
The white team scores a point for making five consecutive passes. The lone black defender works hard to force the ball out of play or win possession.
If successful, one white player leaves the playing area while the other black player enters to maintain a 2v1 situation.
If the team in possession scores three points in a row without losing possession, it hands over possession.
Play 2v1 in the area and when the pair lose possession or it goes out of the area, the overload is with the other team.
Development
Play 6v4 in a 30-yard square with a 15-yard square in the middle, as shown in the middle picture.
The drill begins with the team of four playing against two of the larger size team in the central area, with the other players in the wider area.
If the two players win the ball, they pass it to their team mates outside (the outside players can also take a misplaced pass from the team of four).
The game now becomes a 6v4 in the whole 30-yard area with the team of four trying to win possession or knock the ball out of play.
If that team is successful, the game restarts in the smaller area. Teams get a point for five consecutive passes. Make sure teams switch roles and use two of the larger team’s players on the smaller team.
Four play “keepball” against two in the smaller square but when the ball leaves that area, it is 6v4.
Game situation
Play 6v6 with a goal at each end but without keepers. The area is split into three zones, as shown in the bottom picture. Teams have two players in each zone.
However, the team in possession can always have a one-player advantage (from any other zone) in each zone to create a 3v2 overload.
Teams can only score with a one-touch finish. If the ball goes out of play, restart with a pass-in. The team that scores most goals is the winner.
Teams have two players in each zone but when in possession, that team can use a 3v2 overload in its favour.
