The Second Defender

Set Up:  

There are six players set up inside of the small grid, playing 4 v 2. The four attackers play keep away from the two defenders. When an attacker loses the ball or plays it out of the grid, he becomes the new defender. If the two defenders have not won the ball within 30 seconds, a new pair of players rotates into the middle.

Coaching Points:

1.   The 1st defender pressures the ball, the 2nd defender covers.

2.   Curve your run to the ball and force the play in one direction.

3.   After your man passes off, drop straight back into the center.

Progressions: C

1.   Progress to 5 v 2, one touch.       

Set Up:

The teams play 2 v 2, with 4-6 additional players stationed along the end line. The players start from the corners, and the Feeder starts play with a pass to any of the four players. From there, the attackers try to advance the ball across the field and dribble it over the opponent’s end line. The defenders attempt to trap the ball along the sideline in order to win possession. Attackers are allowed to pass backwards to players on the end line, but the end line players are limited to one touch. Defenders on the end line are allowed one step into the field when tackling. When teams are scored on, they must sprint across the field and back.

Coaching Points:

1.  Communication – The first shout sorts it out. Defenders must talk to each other.

2.  Angle of Approach – The first defender forces play into the sideline to create a 1 v 1.

3.  Cover – The second defender closes down the passing lane and creates a 1 v 2.

Progressions:

1.  The attackers switch places with every pass back to the end line.

Set Up: 

14 players are set up on a split field, playing 3 v 2 with players starting from the sideline. During the game, the attacking team (Players 1, 2, and 3 in black) starts in the defending half, and the defenders (Players 1 and 2 in red) may not cross over the midfield line. Play continues 3 v 2 to completion from there. On a goal or a turnover, the ball starts with the goalkeeper and the direction of play reverses. The two defenders (Players 1 and 2 in red) stay on the field and become attackers, and one new attacker (Player 3 in red) enters play. Two new defenders (Players 4 and 5 in black) enter the field in the other half, and play continues from there.  

Coaching Points:

1.  Curve your run to the ball and force the play in one direction.

2.  Drop straight back into the center after your man passes the ball.

3.  The 2nd defender must be able to cover passes to both the right and left.

Progressions: 

1.   Add a third defender after the third pass is made.

Set Up:  

There are 18 players set up in the attacking half, starting 6 v 4 in the midfield zone, and 3 v 3 in the attacking zone. The Feeder begins play with a pass into the midfield zone. From there, the attackers must pass the ball into the attacking zone before shooting on goal. When the ball is played in, one attacker crosses over into the attacking zone, creating a 4 v 3. If the defenders win the ball, they can score in the small goals set out on the flanks. On balls put out of play, the game is re-started by the GK.

Coaching Points:

1.  Always look to attack down the center first. Use the flanks if the center is closed down.

2.  Use the entire space in the midfield zone, and get attackers free on the flanks.

3.  Check away from the ball before trying to receive in the attacking zone.attacking zone

Progressions: 

1.  Allow shots from the midfield zone.

Set Up:

Two teams play on a field a bit smaller than a full field - penalty area width and one end line moved up to the edge of one penalty area. The length of the game is 30-40 minutes and play is continuous, meaning no stoppages by the coaching staff to instruct. If the coach desires, he can use two minutes at the halfway point to water break and to give very brief instructions, something pertaining to the coaching topic for the practice.

The two teams should not let the other team know what formation that they are playing, and they should try to run a formation that is different from that of the other team. Once the game has started, it is up to the players to sort out the other teams' attacking and defending shapes.

Coaching Points:

NONE!

Progressions:

1.  Extend the width of the field out to the sidelines. Allow teams to make changes in positions and/or formations during that short break. 

2.  The coach can move players or groups of players to create the desired match ups. For example, starting back line versus starting strikers.