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!
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