
Organisation for this Football Session Split the group into teams of even players. Within each team the players are split into 2 groups. One group lines up at one side of the area, while the other group lines up on the opposite side. The player at the front of one of the lines begins with the ball. The player with the ball must attempt to dribble it to the other side of the area. The player at the front of the line opposite them will attempt to stop them reaching their desired target. Once the defender wins the ball and has it in their possession they should look to run with it as quickly as possible to the player at the opposite end of the grid. The next two players in the lines then compete. In order for the defender to be successful they must ensure that they; Apply pressure as early as possible (if sprinting to cover the ground between themselves and the attacker they should decelerate before they reach them) Create a barrier to prevent the attacker moving forward Are patient and tackle when the chance presents itself Adopt the correct body shape (sideways on, knees bent, touch tight, bias towards one side) To progress this exercise introduce more active players to each side, so the number of players in the middle rises from 1 v 1 to 2 v 2 and 3 v 3. Once more players are introduced to the session the additional coaching factors become relevant; Responsibility of each defender (pressuring, supporting or covering) Positioning of each defender in relation to the ball, the attacker they are responsible for and their team mates. Communication between players (âpatienceâ, âtackleâ, âshow left/rightâ) etc.) Supporting each other once their team is in possession.
Create a Barrier Body Shape Positioning Patience Tackle when they can realistically win the ball
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
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