Strength. Defending as a Unit and in a low block.
ARRIVAL ACTIVITY
Defending to keep play in front.
Description: 4 attacking red team v 4 defending whites, in the designated area, 18 yard line acts as an offside line, reds look to get into the 18 yard box to score on big goal, defending team if win ball, score in any of the 2 small goals or by passing back to GK.
Focus on: Engage ball carrier quickly, other defenders provide cover and balance, match runners off the ball, communication is key, win physical challenge with opponent, sprint back on recovery runs if beaten, composure when winning ball back, defend space and man, compactness of defensive line to force offside and no penetrating passes through.
Main Activity
Defending crosses and box entries.
Description: 4 red team v 4 white defending team, same build up as previous exercise, this time now reds have the option to play wide for red players to combine and cross, then whites have to defend the cross and box, if whites win ball they can score in to small goals or play back to GK, or clear the box effectively with a clearance.
Focus on: defending as a unit - communication is vital, match off the ball runs, protect the center of the goal, force wide then sprint back to defend the cross, get body in correct position to get first contact on ball, clear effectively with height and distance, win physical duel, be pro active to 2nd phase of the cross, desire to win the ball and head the ball. GK talk to defenders through out the exercise, defend front post and man - 2 jobs, once in box - man mark.
Progression: a defender can press the crosser of the ball, and weak side winger can join in at the back post, to create an unbalance for the defenders.
Small Sided Games
Defending in a low block.
Description: coach starts on halfway line by feeding ball into attacking red team or by GK playing up to coach, if whites win ball then look to score in either small goals,
Focus on: maintaining a low defensive line, so no balls can be played in space behind, get the proper distances between the last line and the 2 midfield players, be compact - nothing through, force wide, keeping defensive discipline and shape, communication from GK is vital, who presses the ball and who provides the cover and balance, where do we engage the ball?, react to quick switches of play by sprinting across the pitch to stop an overload, defenders constantly communicating with midfield players. keep play in front and counter quickly by scoring in small goals.