Defending Crosses/ Attacking Wide

DESCRIPTION

Set Up

Mark out 1/3 of a full size pitch with two wide areas as on diagram. 

Have spare balls available for quick restart

Attacking team (Red):

7 players.
1-2-4 formation (defensive midfielder, two central midfielders, 2 strikers and 2 wingers).
The attacking team scores into the full sized goal. 
After losing possession team defends three mini goals and tries to regain possession as soon as possible.
Attack should be made quickly and played through the wide area.
Players No. 7 and 11 should provide variety of different crosses.

Defending Team:

7 players (6+GK)
4-2 formation
Defend full sized goal with the goalkeeper.
After gaining possession score into one of the three small goals as soon as possible.
Zonal/mixed defending.

Defend deep then push out. Encourage counter-attack when in possession.
Defend in unison. One fullback closes the other tucks in.

Rules

Starting position of player no.4 is behind the red line, in the central area (can be varied). 

Game starts when the ball is played in by player no.4. 

Every attack should be played through one of the wingers. No other players allowed in the wide zone until the first touch of a winger. 

There are no goal kicks. 

Each time, the game starts from the player no.4 playing the ball in. Two teams compete and attempt to score.

COACHING POINTS

Coach defending players from different perspectives (transition from attack to defence, transition from defence to attack and lost of possession etc.).

Body Position

Central defender should adapt a body position so he can see the ball, opponent in possession and attacker.

Squeezing Up

Priority on the contact with the ball is to pass forwards. Defenders should aim for wide areas (opposite side) as a general rule but also consider other options if possible. Follow the direction of the ball (squeeze).

Progression

Move to 7v7/9v9 game with specific rules (ex. wide areas/attack through the winger counts twice) or phase of play on 2/3 pitchs.