Defending 1 v 1, #1

Set Up: 

There are 10-12 players set up around the four sides of the small field, each with a ball. A smaller grid is placed in the center. To begin play, the defender steps into the center of the small grid. Player 1 attacks the defender 1 v 1, trying to dribble all the way through the grid. If the defender wins the challenge, then Player 1 becomes the new defender, playing 1 v 1 against Player 2. If not, the defender must stay in the middle to defend the next attack from Player 3. Each new attack begins as soon as the ball is out of the grid and play rotates counterclockwise.

Coaching Points:

1.  The defender must control the speed of his initial run and not charge in.

2.  The decision to tackle or not depends on how well the attacker controls the dribble.

3.  If possible, the defender should win the ball as opposed to kicking it out of bounds.

Progressions: 

1.  Reduce the size of the central grid.

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 12 players set up in the attacking third, playing 6 v 4. The Feeder begins play with a pass in to any one of the six attackers. From there, the attackers look to finish on goal, and the defenders look to delay, disrupt or destroy the play. If the defenders win the ball, they can score on the two small goals placed out on the flanks. When a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play, the Feeder re-starts play with the next ball.  

Coaching Points:

1.   Always pressure the player with the ball.

2.   Be patient and contain the play. Do not stick a foot in.

3.   Cover the most dangerous players first. Mark tight on those closest to the ball.   

Progressions: 

1.  Progress to 7 v 5.

Set Up: 

20 players are set up on a full field, playing 8 v 8 plus two. The two teams play for twenty minutes with no conditions. After the attacking team scores (1), they keep possession of the ball and attack in the other direction. When a goal is scored or the ball is put out of play, the Gks re-start play with a pass to the attacking team (2).

Coaching Points:

1.  Force the play into a sideline or into defensive help.

2.  Cover the most dangerous players first.

3.  Step up when the attackers play the ball backwards.

Progressions: 

1.  The neutral players must stay inside of a flank zone with a one touch limit.

Set Up:

Teams of five play games to two goals with a five minute time limit. Free play, no stops for coaching. Play is re-started by the GKs. When the game is over, the third team comes onto the field for the next game, and the losing team goes off. In the event of a tie, the coach can decide to let the defending champs stay on or go off, or determine the winner with a crossbar challenge.

Coaching Points:

None. Leave the players alone!