Team A
Team B
Goalkeeper (Team A)
Goalkeeper (Team B)
Joker: An extra attacking player who always plays for whichever team has the ball, so the team in possession is always a player up.
Ball
Cone
Pass
Dribble
Run
Shot
Activity 1
Technical Warm-Up
Individual Partner Defending Technique
Setup: TRAINING AREA - 40W x 30L. Players in groups 2-3 with (1) ball. Each group works on "defensive 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.
Goal: In groups of 2-3, players cycle through each defensive scenario listed. The player in possession tries to beat the defender while the defender applies correct technique. Rotate offense and defense every 45 seconds of work, with a 90-second rest/stretch between rounds.
- 1v1 Defensive Technique - dribbling
- 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
2v2 React & Defend on Four Goals
Setup: 2v2 score on two goals 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."
Goal: The coach plays the ball to one team, and the other team immediately reacts to defend. Both teams can score through any of the 4 corner goals by passing or shooting the ball through the cones. The reacting team must close down quickly before the team in possession can score.
Coaching Points
- Defensive technique = cover the ground, get down, & stay down!
- Tackle the ball: when the ball is AWAY from offensive player
- Who: The player closest to the ball
- What: Applying pressure on the player with the ball
- When: With the other team in possession
Activity 3
Expanded Small-Sided Activity
4v4 One Large Goal & Two Small Goals
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.
Goal: Red defends the large goal while white defends the two corner goals. Both teams attack the opposite end. Play for a set time period, then swap which end each team defends. Score by shooting or passing the ball into the goal your team is attacking.
Coaching Points
- Defensive technique = cover the ground, get down, & stay down!
- Tackle the ball: when the ball is AWAY from offensive player
- Who: The player closest to the ball
- What: Applying pressure on the player with the ball
- When: With the other team in possession
Activity 4
Game
Goal: Apply what you practiced today in a real game.
Finish with a 9v9 game applying today's formation and focus. If you have fewer players, play the largest small-sided game your numbers allow. Reinforce all the points above.