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. MORE
Defending
The defensive soccer drills and games in this section will help you coach your players to work as a unit at the back. We look at how your players should organise themselves, what are their roles and responsibilities as defenders, and how they should react in different defensive situations.
With work, you should be able to coach your players to control the game at the back and to start great passing moves leading to goals at the other end.
Work your centrebacks
in Defending, Small Sided Games
Central defenders working together with a keeper and a defensive midfielder is a good way control the dangerous areas in front of goal and repel attacks away from that area. MORE
Bounce
in Attacking, Defending, Small Sided Games
This training session is a good workout for forwards pressing and forcing mistakes high up the pitch. It also helps to develop link play in the final third. MORE
Defend an outswinging corner
in Defending, Set pieces
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. MORE
Winning back possession
in Defending, Email newsletters
It may sound like I am being negative suggesting ways to stop teams passing but study any of the successful teams around the world and you will see the hard work that goes into stopping teams passing through or around midfields and defences. MORE
Track your man
If your players can improve their individual defending when man marking and tracking their opponent’s runs, your team is far less likely to concede goals. MORE
Stall the turn
Defenders can reduce the threat on their goal by keeping the other team’s forwards facing the opposite direction and moving them away from the penalty area. Use this session to enhance your defenders’ skills at closing down attackers and clearing the danger without necessarily making a tackle. MORE
The cross collector
Dealing with crosses as part of a defensive unit is a large part of a goalkeeper’s job. That, is why it is vital to spend time on the practice ground helping your goalkeeper with their positioning, communication and punching and catching skills. “The cross collector” shows you how. MORE
Running backs
This session will help school your players in defending against the many difficult situations that arise from opponents launching long balls down the pitch. MORE
Busquets in control
Use this training session to coach your midfielders how to win possession by quickly closing down the opposition and pressing the player with the ball. MORE
Minesweeper
The role of a sweeper is given to a player that plays behind the line of defenders. It is that player’s duty to cover the space behind and sweep across to remove the danger of the opponent’s attacks. This is how you can develop the use of a “minesweeper” in your team. MORE
Changing of the guard
in Defending, Small Sided Games
Reacting to quick transitions is key to this session, as is holding onto the ball under pressure. This includes using clever play to shield the ball and get passes away. MORE
First contact
Not all players enjoy defending so it is essential practices are competitive, fun and give the player a reward for winning the ball (the chance to score a goal!) Encourage your defenders to make “First contact” in the bid to thwart an attack. MORE
Block and intercept
Teaching your players how to block or intercept an opposition forward pass will help your team regain possession of the ball. Remember – you can’t concede a goal if you have the ball. MORE
Fullbacks press wingers
in Defending, Small Sided Games
A good fullback will force flashy wingers wide in order to stop them from putting your goal under threat. Use this game to show your defenders what to do MORE
Strikers press defenders
Often a lone striker will be pressing a three man defence which can be a frustrating job. Get your strikers to practice their pressing techniques against three defenders. MORE
Stop late goals ruining your day
in Defending, Email newsletters
At the start of this season my team was 3-0 down after 10 minutes! It was a disaster but by half time they had pulled it back to 3-3. In a tight second half they scored with 3 minutes to go to make it 4-3 much to their delight. What a comeback!... but all their hard work was wasted... MORE
Ball watching
in Defending, Small Sided Games
This session helps defenders to use an overload to their advantage when attackers run centrally at them – they must press their opponents into making a mistake and win possession back. MORE
Chain reaction
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. MORE
Defending – as easy as 1, 2, 3
Play 4v4 with two keepers in an area 30 yards by 20 yards. MORE
From attack to defence
It’s important your whole team, not just the defenders, stay focused and begin defending the moment possession is lost. Most goals are scored within three passes so if you allow your opponents time and space your team will be punished. MORE
Playing out
One of the great sights in soccer is watching a Brazilian centre-back storm out of defence into the opposition half with midfielders and attackers fanning out in front of them, creating chaos in the opposition defence. This session will get young players doing the same. MORE
This is a hold up
When defenders hold up forwards, inevitably the attack is slowed down. This type of patient defending allows for your team mates to make recovery runs and track back to help in defence. MORE
Wake up at the back!
in Defending, Email newsletters
Defending can be waiting game for teams that play a good attacking game and dominate the opposition. How do you keep them alert, organised and ready to drop back, recover and defend a counter attack or long ball over the top? MORE
