Defence mechanisms

When introducing 1v1 defending to the foundation phase (ages 5-11), I like to use the ‘Three Ss’ – shut down, slow down, SURF!

I find this a really effective way of getting the kids to remember the basics – and they all love getting on their surfboard too. Some coaches may add ‘sit down’ before ‘SURF!’, but I personally feel the idea of bending knees and getting low is covered within the idea of surfing.

As a breakdown, this is how it should look:

Shut down – close the gap between yourself and your opponent as quickly as you can.

Slow down – make sure you slow down and put the brakes on when you’re about an arm’s length away, otherwise it will be easy for the attacker to go straight past you.

SURF! – Bend knees/get low (‘sit down’), get ‘side-on’ to opponent.

A good introduction can be a fun warm-up of ‘knee tag’ in pairs. This encourages key aspects of 1v1 defending – getting low, side-on, light on toes, anticipation and spotting opportunities to ‘attack’ (win the ball in a game situation).

U13s GIRLS’ COACH - Steph Fairbairn

When coaching 1v1 defending to the youth-development phase players (aged 12-16), I try to focus on equipping them to make the best decision in every situation.

We want players to be able to quickly assess whether they should attempt to steal the ball or delay the play.
This means making sure they have an awareness of where their teammates are and an ability to read and respond to the speed and body shape of their opponent.

Key skills include scanning, using your body shape to usher players backwards or to the side, using your back leg to pivot, being on your toes, and being able to run backwards and shuffle sideways. 

One drill I really like is having a defender starting on the edge of the penalty box, and two other defenders starting on the halfway line alongside an attacker. On the whistle, the attacker runs towards the defender and attempts to take them on and score into the open goal behind them.

The whistle is blown for a second time after 20 seconds (this can be adjusted for difficulty levels) and the two defenders on the halfway line must sprint back to help.

The defender wins a point for stealing the ball, or for holding the player off long enough for their supporting defenders to get back. The attacker wins a point for scoring.