TOPIC / THEME: Defending

Defending in and around the penalty area in a functional practice

DESCRIPTION OF PRACTICE:
Coaching in a functional practice
ORGANISATION Defending third Functional practice
Defenders start positions are in relation to the start position of the ball	8 yellows & 8 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. Players work in their designated areas (red markers). Strikers try to combine to score. Cant score? They can play wide and receive again. Wide men can only feed strikers or play back into midfield. Possession is retained and the ball circulated in midfield until a combination leading to a strike is achieved. Back four and two central midfield players continue to adjust defensively to remain compact and protect the critical areas, preventing a successful attack. The blue strikers and yellow defenders near the half way line compete to be first to the clearances and knock downs

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 ( knock downs, pressure on second ball, clearances and squeezing up)

NOTES:

The session is developed to allow the wingers to enter the by line areas and pull back crosses. Defenders have a different set of problems to consider but the key factors are the same?

Practical Coaching

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