Team A
Team B
Goalkeeper
Joker (+1, always plays for the team with the ball)
Ball
Cone
Pass
Dribble
Run
Shot
Activity 1
Technical Warm-Up
Individual Partner Defending Technique
Setup: TRAINING AREA - 40W x 30L. Players in a groups 2-3 with (1) ball. Each group works on "defensive technique." *1v1 Defensive Technique - dribbling
Goal: In small groups of two or three, players rotate through each defending situation: the player in possession tries to beat the defender by dribbling or passing, and the defender works on sound technique. Rotate offense and defense every turn. There is no scoring; work about 45 seconds, rest and stretch for about 90 seconds, then 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
2v2 Score on Two Goals
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."
Goal: The coach serves a ball to one pair; while it travels, the other pair runs on to defend. Both teams can attack all four corner gates, scoring by passing or shooting the ball through any 3-yard cone goal. Because the defending pair starts from behind, the drill trains them to close down and win the ball quickly.
Coaching Points
- Defensive technique = cover the ground, get down, & stay down!
- Tackle the ball: when the ball is AWAY from offensive player
- Close the gap while the coach's serve travels so you arrive as the ball does, then break down into short steps
Activity 3
Expanded Small-Sided Activity
4v4 to One Large Goal & Two 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: One team (red) defends the single large goal while attacking the two corner cone gates; the other team (white) defends the two corner gates while attacking the large goal. Red scores by passing or dribbling through a cone gate; white scores by putting the ball into the large goal. After each period, teams switch which goals they defend.
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
Goal: Apply what you practiced today in a real game.
Play a scrimmage with the biggest teams possible, or play small-sided if you have fewer players or less space. Reinforce all points above.