TOPIC / THEME: Defending

Defending Deep to counter attack

DESCRIPTION OF PRACTICE:
Coaching in a functional practice
ORGANISATION Defending third Functional practice
	9 yellows & 9 blues attacking and defending the goal in final third on a full size pitch. Start position: Coach or server plays ball into central midfield player who plays into a striker. Blues defend as in previous function but deliberately drop deep to defend in order to spring the counter attack when the ball is won or intercepted. It is vital that blue striker retains good possession in order for the support to `flood out' Objective is for a supporting player to carry the ball through the cones at speed.

KEY OBSERVATION FACTORS:

Pressure on the ball ( keeping the ball in front, forcing play backwards or square) Recovery lines ( angle and distance in relation to position of the ball , goal and keeper) Body position ( seeing the ball and the man, back to goal and open as often as possible) Maintaining compactness in critical areas (Preventing through balls, blocking shots, maintaining the line, fine adjustments, working as a unit) Attacking the ball ( Focus on the ball, being first, strong and determined) Secondary possession ( Accurately find the striker and support)

NOTES:

Practical Coaching

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