Soccer Defending 2v2: Supporting Defenders
- Defenders must close attackers down quickly.
- Closest defender pressures the attacker in a jockey position (angled body position, knees bent, on their toes).
- The 2nd defender should be dropped off approximately 5 yards behind the 1st defender but remain almost in line with the 2nd attacker. This provides support if the 1st attacker gets past 1st defender, the 2nd defender is in good support to slide across to cover and close down the attacker.
- If attacker passes the ball, supporting defender should move up to close down, and initial closest defender should drop off to support, DO NOT chase the ball.
- Defenders should be in constant communication: "you've got cover, force him/her left, or right, cover me" are some examples.
- Remember, encourage successes!
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.
