Community | Defend the Middle

DESCRIPTION

2 Attackers, 2 Defenders, 1 Goalkeeper Arrange 8 cones as mini "goals" about 4m in front of the goal area (see diagram). The outside "goals" count for 1pt each, the inner "goals" count for 3pts each. Attackers must get the ball through the mini "goals" before they can attack the big goal. A passage of play is completed when the ball goes out or a shot at the main goal is taken. Attackers and Defenders then switch roles, or if there is a queue of paired players, Attackers become Defenders and Defenders go to the back of the queue.

COACHING POINTS

Defenders should close down/pressure the Attackers but always keep the angle of the ball to the inner "goals" closed off. Supporting Defender (the Defender furthest from the ball), should shut off the angle from the ball to the centre goal, but maintain awareness of the position of the 2nd Attacker. Drill can be progressed by adding 1 Attacker and 1 Defender behind the mini "goals".

This practice has no coaching points

PROGRESSION

This practice has no progressions

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