Defending – as easy as 1, 2, 3 - Football & Soccer Core Skills and Fundamentals

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What this session is about

Applying basic principles of defending.
Making play predictable.
Working together to stop attackers breaking through the defence.

What to think about

When defending as a unit, players take different roles depending on where the attackers move the ball. The nearest defender puts pressure on the ball. The second defender provides cover at an angle and “goal side” (between the goal and the attacker they are marking), and in a position to challenge if the first defender is beaten. The third defender adds depth, covering the back post area.

Set-up

Mark out a playing area 30 yards from the goal line and the width of the six-yard box. Within that area, mark out a 5m zone at the opposite end to the goal line. Play three defenders against two attackers in the large area, with one server in the 5m zone and a goalkeeper in goal.

Warm up	Session	Development	Game Situation	Warm Down
10 minutes	15 minutes	10 minutes	15 minutes	10 minutes

What you get your players to do

The server (S), who has the freedom to move in their zone but cannot leave it, starts an attack by passing to one of the two attackers in the large area.

If the defenders win the ball or it leaves the playing area, the server begins the move again.

Rotate players so everyone has a turn defending, attacking and being the server.

The server (S) plays the ball to one of the attackers to begin an attack.

Development

Once the server has started the attack, they can join in and become a third attacker.

Related Files

Core-121-defending-as-easy-as-123.pdfPDF, 209 KB

The server (S) joins the attackers to give defenders a greater challenge.

Game situation

Play 4v4 with two keepers in an area 30 yards by 20 yards.

Play a 4v4 game with the emphasis on defenders communicating and being aware of the attackers’ likely movements.

What to call out

“Work with each other”
“Think about your changing role – the ball’s moved so are you now marking a man or space? Remember: the closer to the ball or goal you are, the closer you have to be to an opponent”
“Keep compact”
“Give simple, clear instructions to each other – “close the ball”, “cover me”, “get closer”, “force them down the line” – and act quickly”

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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

"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."

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