close
LOGINSupport the defender - warm-up
Three-part session on defensive judgement, support, and confidence to retain the ball. By STEPH FAIRBAIRN
WHY USE IT
A warm-up designed to give defenders a chance to identify danger and seek out opportunities to defend. For attackers it is a chance to practice supporting each other and moving the ball quickly when faced with defensive pressure.
SET UP
Area should replicate the final third of your training space. Divide players into two teams of three to five. One member of each team should carry a bib. Each team should have a ball.
HOW TO PLAY
Each team passes a ball around. The player with a bib in their hand looks to tag a player on the opposite team - they can only tag players without a ball. When a player is tagged, they receive the bib from the tagger and become a tagger themselves. Progress the game so as players with a ball can be tagged instead. In this case tagging means tackling and winning the ball.
COACHING POINTS
Defenders:
- Anticipate movement of ball
- Scan the area
- Transition from defensive to attacking mindset once you’ve tagged/tackled someone
Attackers:
- Use the space
- Release the ball early
- Support your teammates
Related Files
Steph Fairbairn
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Soccer Warm Ups
Subscriber Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Coaches Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Latest Issue
Soccer Warm Ups
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
*includes 3 coaching manuals
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Soccer Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
