Here’s a set-up I have used for defending a right-footed outswinging corner, with each player being afforded a defined role. If defenders are successful in repelling the threat, they can look to break forward and score in either of the two goals positioned on the halfway line.
How to play it
One of the most effective methods for preparing set plays is to use a half-pitch and an 11v11 game situation, with balls placed around the periphery of the pitch to ensure quick restarts. Targets and conditions will apply to the game to maintain realism and a form of competitiveness, with the coach setting scenarios in different areas of the pitch, forcing the team to defend a variety of situations that we would expect to be presented to them on match day. Players are organised into the proposed starting XI for a forthcoming match with the opposition set up to reflect those opponents in the best possible way. We will award attacking set plays (corners, free kicks, throw-ins) to the opponents every 20- 30secs in order to test defending proficiency. Set plays are performed and free play continues thereafter until the next organised stoppage.
1. Player 6 patrols the opposition player designed to ‘sit on’ the keeper
2. Player 7 is alert to the threat of a short corner, and advances out with the opposition player and his marker
3. Players 8 and 11 look to pick up late runners and defend the edge of the 18-yard box
4. Players 3, 4, 5 and 9 defend key attacking players in front of goal
5. Player 2 covers the space on the edge of the six-yard box
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
Teams can turn up and launch long balls behind your defenders. This game will get players watching for, and reacting to, the danger of the long ball. MORE
Use this session to teach players to press opponents high up the pitch – so they can win the ball nearer to the goal. By pressing quickly and working together, attackers will win the ball back nearer the opponent’s goal and have a greater chance of scoring.
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This session replicates situations where midfielders can find themselves outnumbered and a timely tackle is needed to stop the move in its tracks. MORE
The defending team is coached how to get into formation in a match when they have lost the ball and how to quickly assemble a zonal defence. After using our first session, run this and allow players to make decisions on where to defend at the corner. MORE