Defending in our own half, when team is unbalanced. Endurance Session. RPE 6, 90 MINS.
ARRIVAL ACTIVITY
20 mins.
Description: two 10 yard channels marked with cones and goal at one end. Players work in 3s with 2 attackers and 1 defender in each channel. Practice starts with defender passing diagonally to one of the attackers who then proceed to attack 2v1 in channel to cross the 18yard line and score. if defender wins ball, or ball goes out channel then restart.
Detail/Coaching Points: body position and footwork to enable speedy recovery and movement if ball is passed between the 2 attackers, judgement when to reduce distance between lone defender and attacker in possession, judgment when to confront attacker, art of making 2v1 situation into a 1v1 and take the initiative in this circumstance, recover towards goal in a controlled manner giving ground only at speed of attack, decision as to when to confront attacker in possession of ball, how to confront player in possession and deny passes to 2nd attacker, defender initially splits the 2 attackers.
Progression: put time limit on the 2 attackers to score, allow a 2nd defender to recover and support the 2v1 situation in the channel.
Main Activity
20 mins
Description: Half pitch with target goals on halfway, 6 attackers v 4 defenders, if defenders win ball they play into either target goals or into the coach on halfway line,
Detail/Coaching Points: depth of back line according to circumstances, movement - laterally/diagonally and vertically in response to movement of ball, individual decisions as to who presses, supports and covers, communication and co ordination of defensive unit, including gk, on regain of possession ensure possession is retained whether playing into coach or target goals, defenders play ZONAL, distances between defenders and co ordinated movement of unit, defenders maintaining composure on change of possession, controlled competitive attitude to unsettle the attack, turning defence into attack through swift accurate passes.
Progression: Add 2 recovering defenders to the practice, once ball has travelled into the attackers
Small Sided Games
Description: 7v7 with 2 wide channel neutrals playing for the team in possession to create an overload, neutrals can be pressed only on their first touch and can play/run inside.
Details/Coaching Points: understanding which defender apply pressure (effective communication necessary) defenders readiness as individuals and unit behind ball, quick reaction to adjust position and depth of defensive line on change of possession, funnel back towards to quickly establish numbers in central areas, attempt to negate overload on each touch by a poor touch, backwards or sidewards pass, engage player on ball and team mates adjust covering and marking positions, individual players must have the desire and ability to tackle off front and back foot, supporting defenders determine positions based on ball and attackers in dangerous areas that threaten goal, deflect away from central areas, deny passes and runs into goal scoring areas, players behind ball - delay attack.
Progression: opposite neutral can join in as an another attacker when ball side neutral is in possession.