Activity 1
Technical Warm-Up
Setup: TRAINING AREA - 40Wx 30L. Players in a groups 2-3 with (1) ball. Each group works on "defensive technique." *1v1 Defensive Technique - dribbling
Individual Partner Defending Technique
Players should go through each type of defending situation and rotate. Player in possession (dribbling/passing) tries to beat the defender. Rotate offense-defense each turn. Rest after 45 sec, stretch 90 sec, repeat.
- 1v1 Defensive Technique - no turn
- 1v2 Defensive Technique - intercept pass
Coaching Points
- Approach quickly to the ball - long strides
- Slow down as you approach the ball - short, choppy strides
- Bend knees, weight on toes when pressuring the ball
- Move feet, hips, and head as the offensive player moves the ball
Activity 2
Small-Sided Activity
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Place (2) cones 3 yards apart in each corner forming a "goal" for a total of (4) goals. Coach starts with the balls. Coach plays ball to one team. While the ball travels, the team who did not receive the ball runs on to defend against the team in possession. Both teams score by passing/shooting the ball through the "goals."
2v2 score on two goals
Coaching Points
- Defensive technique = cover the ground, get down, & stay down!
- Tackle the ball: when the ball is AWAY from offensive player
Activity 3
Expanded Small-Sided Activity
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (2) cones 3 yards apart in each two corners forming a "goal" for a total of (2) goals. Place one large goal at the opposite end. Play for pre-determined amount of time. Red team defends large goal, and white defends two goals. After each period change the goals defended.
4v4 score on one large goal & two goals
Coaching Points
- Defensive technique = cover the ground, get down, & stay down!
- Tackle the ball: when the ball is AWAY from offensive player
- What: The direction to apply pressure, or force the ball
- Why: This is to encourage the opposition to go away from the goal, and towards your supporting teammates
Activity 4
Game
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team. Reinforce all points above