Players to be practice with a partner defensive positioning when 1v1 (bent knees, side on, more than arms length from the attacker). 1 player to dribble from one side to the other in possession then switch in possession. Defender to back track without tackling and practice switching leading foot. Progression 1 Players can try to make a stab tackle with their leading foot. Keep score. Progression 2 3 teams on each pitch to play 2v2 tournament. Opportunity to practice closing down an attacker and show defensive positioning. Once a goal is scored, that scoring team retrieve the ball and attack the opposite goal as the team who conceded rotate with the team on the sideline.
-body shape side on -low centre of gravity -move on toes -switch leading foot to manipulate attacker
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
Set pieces account for roughly a third of all goals in football, yet many coaches spend surprisingly little time coaching defensive organisation at corners and free kicks. This article compares zonal and man marking systems, explores hybrid approaches, and provides a practical session structure for building set piece resilience into your team.
A player's first touch determines everything that follows: whether they can play forward, turn, or simply retain the ball. This article explores why training first touch in isolation is not enough, and how to design sessions that develop this critical skill under realistic game pressure.
The coaching methodology revolution sweeping grassroots football - and how to implement it at your club this season.
