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LOGINPractice: Three at the back
In this practice, defenders must use their numerical advantage to pressure opponents into making a mistake
WHY USE IT
Central defenders working together with a goalkeeper and a defensive midfielder is a good way to control the dangerous areas in front of goal and repel attacks away from that area.
SET UP
You will need balls, bibs, cones and a goal. Set up an area 30x30 yards. We used 10 players in the session.
HOW TO PLAY
Nominate a goalkeeper and three defenders - the rest of the players attack in pairs. Each attacking pair has two attacks - so, with three pairs, the defenders have to defend six attacks in total. The game works continuously with the attackers trying to score in a 3v2 situation. After each ball is completed, the next pair of attackers immediately enters the pitch. This ensures that the defenders continuously switch on to the next ball.
COACHING POINTS
Communication and coordination between the three back players. Pressing and support play to force mistakes.
1. Teams start in pairs attacking a back three. The pairs must try to combine against the overload defenders
2. The defenders must decide who will press and who will cover to make the overload effective
Related Files
3. Here the defender moves in, leaving the other two to cover – If they win the ball they should clear it out of the area
4. Movement of the attackers should be realistic and energetic or the defenders will have an easy time
5. The next pair of attackers goes as soon as the ball is dead, meaning defenders must be switched on to the next attack
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