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defenders DRILLS
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3 v 3 v 3

Station 6 players in 2 teams of 3 in 1/3 of the area and 3 players in 1 team in the other 1/3. The ball starts in the area at the top of the diagram. The 3 players in possession must attempt to advance the ball into the middle area. The team advancing the ball into this area then carries the ball into the opposing 1/3. Now they must attempt to advance the ball to the end line at the bottom of the diagram beyond the 3 players in the bottom 1/3. Defensive players must attempt to prevent the team in possession from getting the ball to either the middle area or the end line. Play continues from end to end with the winner being the first team to get to 5 points/goals. Develop so that 3 defenders become 2 defenders plus a goalkeeper. Now you have 3 attackers trying to beat 2 defenders and score past the goalkeeper.

Conditioned games

5 v 3 End Zone

The 5 attackers must get the ball from one end zone to the other without losing possession to the defenders.Encourages use of width, depth and possession.

Possession

Bull Dog

Five players start on one end line, each with a ball. One defender is stationed in the middle without a ball. All players must try to dribble past the defender to the safety of the other side on the coach's call. If the defending player manages to kick the other players ball out of the area, then that player also becomes a defender. Continue until one attacker remains.

Dribbling

Defending 2 On 1

Player 1 has a ball; the other three balls are placed on discs on the end line. Player 1 passes the ball to player 3, who must advance the ball to the opposite end line without being dispossessed of it by 1 or 2. Player 1 moves in to assume the correct defending position, forcing 3 in the direction of 2 by blocking the right side of the attacker. Players 1 and 2 combine to win the ball. If the defenders win the ball, have them attempt to knock a ball off a cone. Both defenders start on the same side of the area.

Defending

End Zone Party

Set out an endzone 5 yards wide from each endline. Play 4 v 4. One ball per group. The red team is in possession of the ball. The object of the game is to advance the ball to the attacking endzone. A goal is scored when a player dribbles the ball into the endzone and stops the ball with the sole of his foot. No defenders are allowed in this area. You can choose to make the endzones neutral such that either team can score in both endzones.

Dribbling

Piggy in the Middle

2 players are placed on the outside of the grid and 2 players on the inside. The players on the inside of the grid are the defenders but are not allowed to come out of the grid. The 2 outside players just have to keep possession by playing lofted passes over the 2 middle players.

Passing and Receiving

Team Crossing and Finishing Drill 2

The crossing player starts with the ball on the half-way line before coming forward and playing one-two's with the players in the cones, while continuing their run forward down the wing. After recieving the second pass, the crosser will now cross into the box, where two attackers will try to beat two defenders and a goalkeeper to the ball and score. The attackers start in the coned area outside the penalty area and sprint into the box once the crosser has received their second pass.

Crossing and Finishing

The Diagonal Pass

Players work in pairs, with one ball per pair. The first player makes a square pass across the grid to their partner before running onto the cone ahead. Their partner then plays a pass diagonally across the grid back to their partner who is looking to run onto the ball. The player who started the drill then plays square across the grid again to their partner running onto the ball. The players work their way up to the top of the grid.

Passing and Receiving

Through Ball in the Triangle

Set up a rectangle, 15x10m, with a player on each corner plus two defending players inside the grid with bibs on. The outside players must try to stretch the two defenders in order to make space for the diagonal pass. In order to do this they can pass laterally and use dummy passes to send the defenders. Players keep count of how many diagonal passes they have completed.

Possession

1v1 Protect the Space Behind t...

Attackers serving lines 30yds out. 2 static defenders centrally positioned 20yds out. First two attackers in front of the defendersServer 1 from the attacking line plays a through ball behind the opposite defender to server 2 beyond the defence line. Server 2 attempts to score whilst Goalkeeper comes out to defend the space.

General

Quick deep pass - Outnumber th...

Working on playing a quick pass to the deepest player on your team. Using the route one pass to quickly outnumber the opposition's defence. After receiving the hard pass from the midfield player (red 3) the players should try to shake off the defender before then deciding to either play the pass to one of their team-mates or going it alone. Finish the drill with an attempt at goal.

General

Wolf Pack Defending - Football...

The players each have a ball. On the coaches command the defending team comes in to the area and tries to kick all of the balls out. If a player gets his ball kicked out then they can stay in and help their team mates by finding space to receive a pass. If a player does a turn when pressurised by a defender then add 5 seconds onto the time.

General

Drag and Push to Beat Defender...

Player A passes to player B and closes Player B down. Player B attacks Player A. Use the lateral drag with sole and push back to deceive the defender and beat them on the outside. Player B passes to Player A to restart practice.

General

3 Player Combination with Defe...

Set up as shown. The player in the middle starts with the ball. They play a diagonal ball into space so that the player to the right can run onto it. They then play a square ball, once the defender has committed, to the player far left who plays a 1st time ball into the middle player.

General

Overloading attack Conditioned...

The pitch set up has a defending zone and an attacking zone, divided by a midfield channel. 2 defenders in the defending zone, 1 midfielder in the middle zone and 2 attackers in the attacking zone. Again, the non passing defender enters the midfield zone to create an overload. Either player located in the midfield zone can then enter the attacking zone to create another overload.

General

Passing through the channel Pa...

Set up a playing area, divided into three equal sized playing areas. Players cannot enter another zone.To begin with play 6 attackers (3 in both ends) v 1 defender in the middle.The aim for the attackers is to use good passing movement to create space for the pass into the opposite zone.

General

4 v 2 Possession - Football Dr...

Play 4 v 2 keep-away. Attackers are stationed in the corners of the grid. One ball per group. Repeat in another area for a total of 12 players. Attacker 1 starts with the ball. The object is to pass the ball around the outside and middle of the square, playing keep-away from the two defenders. Players score 1 point for a pass around the defenders and 2 points for a penetrating pass that splits the defenders. How many passes can be made before defenders force the ball out 3 times or score 1 goal? Repeat and rotate.

General

Three Goal Game Conditioned ga...

Set up two teams, with 5 on field (3-2 formation) playing against the 4 on field defenders (3-1 formation).The attacking team start with the ball and then the game is live!Attackers can score in the normal-sized goal and the defenders can score in either of the two smaller goals (use cones) at the opposite end.

General

Overlap to Attack! Conditioned...

Play across half a pitch. Each team must have 3 defenders and two centre forwards.Players must follow their own passes forward, with the intention of overlapping to receive the return pass.

General

Break football Crossing and Fi...

2 players outside the area play a ball into one of their players in the grid. The 2 players in the grid play 2 v 4 to try and score a goal on the half way line by dribbling the balll through the gate. The 4 players try to win the ball and when they do they have to break as quick as they can and try to score a goal. the only 2 defenders that can stop them are the 2 defenders out side the grid. (Blue dot players)

General

Stealth Dribble Dribbling - Fo...

Station 1 player on each end line and a lone defender in the middle of the area. Repeat in 3 other areas for a total of 12 players. The outer players each have a ball. The object of the game is for the outer players to get over the middle line without losing the ball to the middle player. The middle player can only move along the line between the cones. If the defender wins the ball, then the attacking player and defender change places and roles. Keep score of how many times a player can get over the line without losing the ball.

General

Dealing with the Backpass Goal...

Start with one Goalkeeper, 3 defenders and 2 attackers. Set up 2 mini goals outside and wide of the penalty box.Ball is played back to the Goalkeeper from one of the defending team.As soon as the ball is played back the attacking team are live and can apply pressure. Goalkeeper passes out to defending team who pass back again to Goalkeeper. The aim is to get 2 back passes in.Once 2 back passes have been achieved, a shot at 1 of the 2 mini goals can be taken.If the attacking team intercept, they are able to take a shot at the mini goals straight away.Once one sequence has been achieved, rotate Goalkeeper.

General

End Zone Party Dribbling - Foo...

Set out an endzone 5 yards wide from each endline. Play 4 v 4. One ball per group.The red team is in possession of the ball. The object of the game is to advance the ball to the attacking endzone. A goal is scored when a player dribbles the ball into the endzone and stops the ball with the sole of his foot. No defenders are allowed in this area.You can choose to make the endzones neutral such that either team can score in both endzones.

General

6 v 2 RWTB Dribbling - Footbal...

Objective: Application of running with the ball in a small sided game format.Detail:Use a box - box area on a pitch or set up 50 x 70 (older players).Split up the players into 6 v 2 in 2 end zones.Players in group 1 run with the ball to group 2 across the central zone.2 defenders enter the zones once the ball and players have arrived.

General

Shoot, Recover, Finish Crossin...

Make a pitch from the edge of one penalty box to the same the other end, full width. Set up a goal with a GK at each end.A group of Attackers start in the centre circle. A group of Defenders start offset to the left of them.The coach feeds the ball in to and Attacker and they run forward to a 1 vs 1 situation with 1 Defender. The Attacker should take on the Defender and attempt to score.Once the Attacker has taken a shot they recover in an arc to receive a ball cross in from the right side.As this is going on, when the GK at the other end has seen the coach pass the first ball then they pass the ball to a player in the fullback position out to the right (F).F passes the ball down the line to a winger (W), who will be the one to cross the ball in after the Attacker has taken their first shot.At the same time the exact same is happening at the other end of the pitch.Players move positions:The Attacker becomes the F for the other side, attacking in the other direction. F follows their pass to become the W, the W joins the line of Attackers. Rotate the Defenders after 5 minutes. Play different progressions/variations for about 30 minutes in total.Includes breaks for water and feedback to the players

General

Retreating Defence Defending -...

Objective: Opposed practice developing recovery runs and increase understanding on roles and responsibilities. Detail: Mark out 4 channels / areas 15 x 30 (age / ability dependant). Players are organised into groups of 4. Each group work within a channel. Player one serves the ball to player 3 who attempts to beat player 2. Player 2 must retreat into own half before applying pressure.

General

Bull Dog Dribbling - Football ...

Five players start on one end line, each with a ball. One defender is stationed in the middle without a ball. All players must try to dribble past the defender to the safety of the other side on the coach's call. If the defending player manages to kick the other players ball out of the area, then that player also becomes a defender. Continue until one attacker remains.

General

Pressure Shooting Shooting - F...

Two lines stand behind a cone, with the defending line standing slightly forward of the attacking line. To start the drill the defender plays the ball in front of the attacker for them to run onto. As soon as the pass is played the drill is live and the attacker must run forward, under pressure from the defender, and shoot once they've entered the 18 yard box.

General

defenders DRILL CATEGORIES
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Defending Drills
Dribbling Drills
Defending Drills
Dribbling Drills
defenders SESSIONS
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Introducing the Overlap - Overlapping Attack!

Create the extra man with the attacking overlap - a fluid and attacking style of passing football for all players - defence, midfield or strikers

Channelling the opposition

Develop your defenders understanding of how to channel the attackers away from danger areas to slow down attacks and isolate the opposition players.

Shooting from distance - Go on, have a pop!

Encourage your players to take their chances, put their laces through the ball and SHOOT from distance!

Improving body positioning and shaping of runs

Keep the attacking fire burning and get your players opening up their body, thinking about their first touch and angling their runs up field

Dealing with attacking movement

Handle the forwards movement by recognising the forwards patterns and by reading the play to anticipate where the pass and run might go to be able to prevent it.

Clever Movement

To coach and encourage players to use specific clever movements in all areas of the pitch in order to create space for themselves and others.

Attacking with an Extra Man

Create an overload in attack by providing support to attack with an extra man. Use this session to help your forwards plus develop your defenders defending capabilities with one less player.

Switch Play - Use the full width of the pitch!

Make the most of the space on the field by getting your players into the mind-set of switching the play, rather than trying to hammer down the same congested channel each time.

Playing the Ball Out From the Back

The ?modern way? is to play out from the back. To be able to do it successfully though, you need your defenders to be comfortable on the ball when looking to pass, dribble and scan the pitch.

Working as a Defensive Unit

Drum in the defensive roles and responsibilities of your players and make sure they understand what you want from them in order to win the ball back and turn defence into attack.

Goalkeeper 1v1's

Develop your keepers mindset to stay on their feet for as long as possible and to stay big in 1v1?s and make the attacker make a decision.

Decision Making In & Around The Box

Improve combinations in wide areas and finishing in around the box!

Fitness Football

Every position demands different attributes and levels of physicality, so why don?t you train your players differently to match!? Use this session to condition your players to suit their position.

Attacking Movement, 1v1 Confidence and Overload Play

Technical 1v1 practice and overload games session, designed to improve confidence on the ball, get players making better attacking runs and prepare your team for match day

Step over skills session - Confidence on the ball

The pedalada, the Denílson, or the scissors! No matter what you call it make sure your players can perform this advanced 1v1 attacking dribble

Corner Set Piece - Getting players to attack the cross

Introduce players to corner set-pieces and teach them how to time their runs and head home with confidence

Individual defensive awareness...

Defenders shouldn’t need to make last-ditch tackles. Develop their positional and match awareness so they can dictate the play with the opposition attackers.

First Defender Technique - Sta...

Teach your defenders resist diving in and stand up to hold up attackers when they're the first line of defence!
defenders ANSWERS
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Working forwards and defenders...

We have a group of 10 year olds (10 of them) and wanted to make our scrimmage more effective by working forwards and defenders at the same time.My thought was to have 2 teams%3A team 1/forwards%3A score on goal and team 2/defenders that get a point for regaining the ball.Any better ideas?

Archived User Coach

defenders | Sportplan

does anyone have any drills or ideas , how to get defenders to keep in shape while moving up the pitch etc, this is for u19 team, we play 442, what I am trying to get is when the two centre backs push up the wing backs are ahead of them

David Coach, Scotland

i have a test to coach a group of 8 yr olds on pressure?

i have a test to coach a group of 8 yr olds on pressure defending, does anyone have any good drills and advice on how best to conduct this test? i am new to coaching

Archived User Coach

Looking for mini-soccer 7-a-side formation ideas...

Hi, My team plays in a mini soccer league which is 7v7. Whats the best formation to play in the environment. We have played 2-3-1 all season but i was looking at 3-1-2 this season using the left and right backs as wingers aswell. Any one got any thoughts? Cheers

Archived User Coach

Defending the through ball

How can we defend the through ball from a faster team?

Archived User Coach

I'm looking for U8 team coaching ideas?

please feel free to text me or call me with your ideas %3A 07903 871542 or post a reply below

Bradley Lewis Coach, England

How to teach players the correct positioning in 7 a side?

How do I teach players about positioning in a 7 a side game

Scott Coach, England

How can I get my defenders to get back?

My under 10's defenders keep getting caught forward when the opposition counter attack and we concede goals because we don't get back quick enough. How can I improve this please?

heath davies Coach, England

Communication on match day

How do I get my team of 15 year olds to talk on the park they are great at training but can't transfer this to a game.

Elli Coach, Scotland

Best way to defend against a speedy forward?

Hello,I regularly play a team that has a speed forward with a good shot. I wanted to get some opinions from anyone who has had success limiting these types of players. He is probably a step or 2 faster than my normal defenders. Regularly racks up goals by being one of the fastest players in the league.In the past we have tried a 4-4-1 with a man mark. Sticking a speed guy on him the full game. It has slowed him down but also limited us on offense. We lost each game by a goal.I was also thinking about using a 5-4-1 formation with more defenders to cut down on thru ball lanes for him.Any other thoughts?ThanksChad

Chad Bruns Coach, United States of America

Defending again fast breaks

I've got a team of young women (12-13 year old) several of whom only played last season for the first time.Our first season last year was pretty good given they're young inexperienced and we rarely had subs. One area that always gets us is fast strikers getting in and behind our defense from quite a way up the field–75% of our goals are conceded that way.So any thoughts on training the team to not allow so many of these goals? TIA!

John Allsopp Coach, Australia

moving defence and midfield up as a unit

having issues with defence and midfield moving forward together when attacking any session out there to help . thanks

football first Coach, England

Keeping The Ball At The Back

I want to get my team to play possession football but some players, especially defenders get very panicked on the ball and seem to be unable to retain possession. Anyone got any ideas of how to change this?

Terry Thomas Coach, England

9 a side formations and teachi...

I run an under 11's team and wondered what formation is best for 9v9. Also any good drills for both attacking and defending regards to off sides

Archived User Coach

Good drills for attacking and ...

What are good drills to teach corners and/or crossing. Attacking and defending?

Scott Coach, England

i currently run a u13 boy foot...

i currently run a u13 boy footballs team. What would be a good drill to get the players to shut the ball down.Because my defenders seem to stand back and let them shoot thanks dennis

dennis Coach, England

Progression on shooting drill ...

Can I add a defender for some added pressure

Rohan Coach, Saint Lucia

how to teach a team to play ou...

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Archived User Coach

introduction to football | Spo...

hi to allmy club has signed up to a Queensland miniroo's program to introduce children to football it is to be both fun and show discipline. This is from age's 4 to 11 it runs for 6 weeks, there will then be the chance for the children to join the club after this or as a club we can continue to run for the 2016 session , fitness isn't the main objective,just skills and enjoyment.Would you like to give some advise on the kind of drills that you would run in this kind of environment remembering that its only a introduction. I have detailed drills that we currently run for are established players.Thank you karl

Karl waters Coach, Australia

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