Your players need to assume a defensive mindset the moment the opposition gains possession. “Chain reaction” will enable your players to smoothly switch from attacking to defensive duties because failing to do so will give their opponents an immediate advantage.
What this session is about
- Maintaining match focus.
- Improving transition.
- Defending when outnumbered.
What to think about
- Players concentrate on their defensive duties when the ball is lost.
- Defenders should work together, which involves using clear communication.
- Reinforce the basic principles of defending. For instance, delay, pressure the ball, provide cover, make play predictable and force attackers away from goal.
Set-up
Create a 35 yards by 15 yards playing area. Use 12 outfield players, plus one neutral player and two goalkeepers.
Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
---|
15 minutes | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 10 minutes |
What you get your players to do
Divide the outfield players into two teams of six starting at opposite ends. Each team begins with three players at each goal post. Put the first pair of “A” players (A1 and A2) on the halfway line along with the neutral player, “N”, who plays for the attacking team. The “A”s begin as defenders.
One of the first pair of “B” players passes to “N”. Both “B” players then enter the field to create a 3v2 as in the top picture.
Once the “B” team has a shot, or the attack breaks down, the next pair of “A” players replace their team mates and pass to “N” to start a new 3v2 attack, as in the middle picture.
Condition the attacking teams to play two-touch to start and give them an eight-second time limit to have a shot.
Rotate the neutral player regularly.