In this finishing activity the focus is on defending.  

Objective: Improve players’ ability to defend crosses, handle 1v1 situations, and effectively clear the ball.

Area: Final third

Equipment: One large goal, pinnies, many soccer balls, cones.

Setup & Actions

Action 1 – Defending the Cross: The midfielder (6) passes to the winger (7), who delivers a cross into the box. The defender’s objective is to prevent a goal and clear the ball with purpose (small goal). 

Action 2 – 1v1 Defending: Immediately after the ball is cleared, player (9) attacks the defender in a 1v1 situation, attempting to score.

Action 3 – Clearing the Ball: The coach serves (throws) a ball toward the defender, who must control and clear it effectively to a midfielder.

The next sequence begins with a pass to player (11).

The defender starts on the 6-yard line and rotates quickly after two repetitions. The other defenders wait for their turn next to the goal. 

The defenders can also be used as attackers.

 

Coaching Points

Defending Crosses:

• Maintain proper body positioning and an athletic stance
• See both the ball and the attacker
• Initiate appropriate physical contact
• Make quick, smart decisions when clearing the ball
• If the ball goes beyond you, recover quickly, reposition, and apply pressure or block the shot
• Communicate and work with the goalkeeper

Defending 1v1:

• Close down quickly and apply pressure
• Stay on the balls of your feet with knees bent
• Delay the attacker and choose the right moment to challenge
• Avoid being beaten—sometimes delaying is the best option
• Angle your body to force the attacker in a predictable direction (toward their weak foot or away from goal)
• Coordinate with the goalkeeper

Clearing the Ball:

• Gain control before clearing when possible
• Use proper technique and the appropriate body surface
• Aim for an accurate clearance (wide or to a midfielder), not just distance

 

Progressions & Variations

• Start with stationary crosses to improve accuracy
• Increase the difficulty of the coach’s service for clearances
• Implement a point system to create competition
• Maximize repetitions to give defenders frequent opportunities