Covering defender

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What this session is about

Providing cover for a team-mate who’s face-to-face with an opponent
Directing attackers away from goal
Making opponent’s play predictable

What to think about

The covering defender should be in a position to make an effective challenge if the first defender is beaten
Stand at a slight angle and goal-side of the first defender.
Communicate early and clearly - for example, advising the team-mate to "get closer" or "force them down the line".

Set-up

4 players - 2 attackers versus 2 defenders - in each group.
Each playing area measures approx 10x30 metres.

Warm up	Session	Development	Game Situation	Warm Down
7-10 minutes	20-25 minutes	10-15 minutes	15-20 minutes	7-10 minutes

What you get your players to do

Attacker 1, acting as a server, passes the ball to attacker 2
Attacker 2 attempts to dribble to the end line
Defender 1 challenges the attacker
DEfender 2 provides cover

One defender challenges, the other covers - get them to organise themselves!

Development

After playing the first pass, attacker 1 joins in the attack to make a 2v2 situation. The defenders will now have to constantly switch roles depending on who is nearest the ball, with the covering defender becoming the main defender and vice versa.

Related Files

Core-002-covering-defender.pdfPDF, 198 KB

Now it's 2v2 so the defenders have to constantly adapt.

Game situation

Play a 4x4 match with goalkeepers in an area 30x20 metres. Encourage both sides to shoot at every opportunity as this will force players to close down their opponents and provide cover.

In the 4v4 the defending team have to make many decisions and communicate effectively

What to call out

"Show them wide"
"Talk to each other"
"Stay on your feet"

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Coaches Testimonials

Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club

"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"

Paul Butler, Florida, USA

"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."

Rick Shields, Springboro, USA

"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."

Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada

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