Defending
3v1 rotating defenders
Set Up
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Create a grid.
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Split into groups of six.
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Three players inside the grid as attackers.
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Three players line up as defenders.
Instructions
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Defender passes the ball into the attacker.
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Follow the ball in and become a defender.
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Continue to Defender intercepts or loss of ball.
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Next Defender goes.
Coaching Points
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Focus on communication.
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Encourage Closing down the angles.
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Encourage to keep pressing and force a mistake.
Variations
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Adjust size of grid. Bigger easier for attackers, smaller easier for Defenders.
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Make five passes and another defender join in the play.
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Change number of players.
5 V 2 Rondo
Set Up
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Create a grid.
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Place four goals on each line of the grid.
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Create a smaller square using cones in the middle of the larger grid.
Instructions
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A player on the outside plays the ball either to the middle player or another play on the outside.
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The Defenders/ defensive midfield attempt to block the lines of pass and press the player with the ball.
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The outside team get a point for eight successful passes or a pass to the middle player.
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If the Defensive team intercept the ball they must break scoring in one of the four goals.
Coaching Points
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Encourage the Defensive team to work together to shut down angles.
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Encourage quick and simple counter attacks.
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Communication is key.
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Encourage one stays one presses.
Variations
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smaller/bigger square to make it easier for attacking/defensive team.
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More Defenders.
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2 touches max for attacking players.
2 v 2
Set Up
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Place two cones either side of the goal.
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Place a further two cones outside of the box.
Instructions
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Split the Defensive and attacking team into two lines.
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Defensive team line up at the side of the goal and Attacking team outside the box.
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Defensive player plays the ball to the Attacking player.
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When Attacking player receives the ball the defensive players press the Attacking players.
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Attacking team can shoot inside of the box
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When the ball is won encourage defenders to clear their lines. Game restarts.
Coaching points
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Encourage Defensive team to work together. one stays one goes.
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Encourage shielding rather and forcing attacking player out wide .
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Communication is key.
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Encourage Goalkeeper to be vocal and sweep up loose balls.
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Remind defenders to have their body at angle and not flat to the attacker.
Variations
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Change the numbers 3v2 or 2v1 attacker overload to increase difficulty for defenders