Warm-up: 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 aim 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 an end zone and have two mini-goals in which to score. The defending team starts with one target player between the two mini-goals.

HOW TO PLAY

The attacking team aims to dribble the ball into the end zone, or pass to a player who has made a run to receive in the end zone – although they cannot be in the end zone before the ball is played (offside). If the defending team wins possession, their aim is to score in one of the two mini-goals. They can use their target player as well

COACHING POINTS

• Defence moves 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