Pressed into action – practice
in Defending
Apply pressure, regain possession and then use the ball in this three-part session. By MICHAEL PHILP MORE
Defending in twos
This session looks at two defenders working together to stop attackers. The session tests their ability to communicate and support when attackers are running towards goal, and when they receive the ball with their backs to goal.
What this session is about
- Defending in pairs.
- Providing cover.
- Forcing the direction of play.
What to think about
- Do the players work together? Who presses the ball? Who covers?
- While one defender presses the ball, the other should cut off the space behind by taking a position goal side and slightly to one side of
their teammate. The defensive positions should channel the attacking pair away from the goal towards the corners or keep them moving
sideways.
Set-up
- 30 x 20 yard area.
| 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
The goalkeeper rolls the ball out to the attackers who are facing the goal.
The defenders must stop them scoring by tackling, forcing the attackers to shoot from distance, forcing them out of the playing area or by holding them up for a certain length of time (say 30 seconds).
The defenders must prevent the advancing attackers from scoring.
Development
To develop the session, once the first attack has concluded, the coach passes a second ball into the attackers. The defenders should be marking closely behind and they now have the opportunity to stop the attackers scoring by denying them the opportunity to turn. The development tests their close marking.
When a second ball is played in from the coach the defenders work together to stop the attackers turning.
Game situation
Add a second goal to the playing area. Now, the game runs continuously until either a goal is scored or the ball leaves the pitch. If the defenders win the ball from the attackers they can break out and attack the second goal.
In a game the defenders are now free to break out and attack the second goal when they win the ball.
What to call out
- “Work with each other”
- “Who is going to press”
- “Don’t dive in”
- “Force the attackers sideways”
