As was shown in the Barcelona v Chelsea game, there is a lot to be said for positive, and sometimes opportunistic, approach play in football.
When the ball is turned over and possession is lost it's important you put pressure on the attacking team collectively, from congesting the midfield to cutting off the channels and preventing the fast break. The key here is to force the error quickly, regain possession and look for depth once again (this is what lead to Drogba's extra time goal).
To get your side defending with a Chelsea-like-doggedness we start this session with a number of agility drills to work on fast footwork and explosiveness without the ball, preparing your players to apply pressure on the ball quickly, as soon as they have lost it. Following this we then focus on the following defensive techniques:
in more ways than one
sportplan_netball
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.
Most 1v1s are lost in the first second, when the defender rushes in and dives. Teach your players to slow the attacker down, take away the dangerous option and pick the right moment, and they will win far more of them.
The FA's FutureFit framework lands this season, bringing a 3v3 entry format at Under-7s. Here is what actually changes on a Saturday morning, and how to coach it well.
