Basic 1v1
• Defender D plays ball to Attacker A
• D closes down A
• A attempts to beat D and score in net
• D wins if ball is cleared out of area
• A and D switch lines
Four Ds of defence:
Deny, Delay, Deflect, Dig ball out
• Close down quickly on A's first touch
• Slow last 3 paces, don't over-commit
• 1st priority deny/deflect shot on goal
• 2nd priority deny/delay path to goal
• 3rd priority dig ball out (tackle)
• D controls where A can go
• Force A away from the goal or onto weaker shooting foot
in more ways than one
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in more ways than one
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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.
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The coaching methodology revolution sweeping grassroots football - and how to implement it at your club this season.
