Warm-Up: Defending in our half

WHY USE IT

To prepare players physically for the session and to practice some techniques that will be used during the session.

SET UP

Lay out three 1v1 areas with target goals at each end. Each pair needs a ball between them.

HOW TO PLAY

Players start at opposite ends of the area. One player, who starts as the defender, has the ball and passes into the other player, who is the attacker. The players then play 1v1 with the attacker looking to beat the defender to score in the mini-goal. If the defender wins the ball back, they can counter-attack and look to score in the other mini-goal.

COACHING POINTS

• Attackers should look to take a positive first touch in the direction of the goal and work to get the defender off-balance.
• The defender should close the attacker down quickly, slowing as they get close. 
• The defender should adopt a side-on body shape, arms-length from the attacker with slightly bent knees, showing the attacker away from goal with their body shape.