Practice: Delaying and denying

WHY USE IT

This three-part session works on out-of-possession principles, including delaying the opposition’s attack, denying space through pressure, cover and balance, and moving as units, with the ultimate aims of disrupting build-up play and preventing the opponents from scoring.

SET UP

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players. The defending team should defend a full-size goal (with goalkeeper) and have two mini-goals in which to score.

HOW TO PLAY

The attacking team aims to score in the full-size goal - offside rule applies. If the defending team wins possession, their aim is to score in one of the two mini-goals.

COACHING POINTS

• Defence pushes up and shifts left/right together as a unit
• Nearest defender pressures the ball, second defender provides cover, third defender provides balance
• Stay compact when out of possession and force the play wide
• Start pressuring the ball in the middle third. Defence be ready to drop to protect space in behind if no pressure on the ball carrier
• Goalkeeper to remain alert for long balls and through-balls