Designing flexible practices - modification 2

WHY USE IT

This practice helps players’ understanding of some key principles of defending. When chasing an opponent in possession, players will often fixate on the ball and trying to win it. Players need to learn how to identify when they are in a position to win the ball and when their priority is to protect the goal.

SET UP

Exactly the same as the ‘core practice’, except a cone is placed either side of both goals.

HOW TO PLAY

As soon as the attackers have had their attempt on goal, the player who did not have the shot has to run and touch, with their hand, one of the cones next to the opposition’s goal, before they can help their team-mate defend. If the ball goes out of play, or the opposition wins the ball and starts attacking, then either of the players can go and touch one of the cones.

COACHING POINTS

• Player making recovery run: Identify what is happening ahead of you - where is the danger? If time allows, move towards the furthest post of your goal. Do not engage the attacker; try not to win the ball from the behind. If needed, angle the run so it cuts off the passing line to the second attacker. 
• First defender: Delay player on the ball to give their team-mate enough time to recover and get into position.