Defending

Defending positions

Use this defensive practice to teach players how to hold the line, whilst defending threats that emerge through the middle as well as from wide areas. MORE

1v1 attacking and defending

by Richie Barker in Attacking, Defending

The philosophy behind this session is that the game can be broken down into lots of 1v1 situations all over the pitch, so it’s important that players know how to deal with these events when they arise, which they do frequently. MORE

Preparing the back four

by Owen Coyle in Defending

Use this purely defensive session to structure the back four against opposing attacks with different formations. It is an excellent session when preparing for matchday. MORE

Defending crosses

by Mark Bowen in Defending

Use this session to develop the decision making and positional awareness of defenders when faced with a variety of dangerous balls crossed into the penalty area. MORE

Improving the defence

by Phil Parkinson in Defending

This session begins with simple 1v1 and 2v2 defending exercises in order to rehearse players in the basics. It then progresses through practices designed to show defenders how to deal with attacking wide players and how to prevent crosses. MORE

Defending as a back four unit

by Dave Jones in Defending

Get your back four working as a unit, whilst developing a clear understanding of defensive roles. This will create a solidity that is difficult for opposition teams to penetrate, meaning attackers can only create chances by doing something really special. MORE

Creating overloads in defence

by Darren Sarll in Defending

Get your defenders creating 2v1s at the back to restrict the attacking threat. You want to see them efficiently and effectively closing down opponents in winning the ball, negating space between the lines. MORE

Pressing

by Karl Robinson in Defending

Pressing is important in all areas of the pitch. In this session we look at pressing technique, the relationships between players, and the value of winning the ball in different areas, with an emphasis on turning over possession and creating onward goalscoring chances. MORE

Solid defending

by Mick McCarthy in Defending

Use this session to create a positive mindset to defending – it makes teams hard to beat and teaches players not to concede cheap goals. MORE

Attacking and defending in counter-attack situations

by Mick McCarthy in Attacking, Defending

Examine the principles behind attacking and defending counter-attack situations quickly – It’s important to practise this because counter-attacks occur regularly in matches, so both defence and attack need to be prepared. MORE

Dealing with crosses

by Kenny Jackett in Defending

Get your players dealing with crosses that are played both into and outside of the 18-yard box. Heading, clearances, blocks and communication are the key areas of focus in this session. MORE

Pressing and screening

by Roy Hodgson in Defending

Get your players pressing and screening the ball with this dynamic session. It also rehearses when and where to chase, and looks at covering positions within the team, recovery runs, and good 1v1 defending techniques. MORE

Developing defenders’ confidence

by Steve Harrison in Defending

This is a defensive session that takes the form of three different practices. Each one progresses from the last in terms of how defenders are being asked to cope with ever-changing threats, both in terms of additional attacking players and a wider physical area of responsibility. MORE

Defending 1v1

by Aidy Boothroyd in Defending

If players can take the ball off their opponent anywhere on the pitch, the team is better equipped to deal with an attacking overload, so get your players mastering the art of 1v1 defending. MORE

Defensive understanding through heading

by Dave Bassett in Defending

Use this session to improve understanding between your defenders and goalkeeper. It teaches them how to cope with long aerial deliveries, be they from the opposition keeper or outfield players and highlights the importance of cover when defending. MORE

Attack against defence

by Ryan Giggs in Attacking, Defending

In this session, because the defending team is facing an overload, it is important for them to work together in the best ways possible. It is up to the attacking team to take advantage of their overload and score goals. MORE

Compact team movement

by Roberto Martinez in Attacking, Defending

This session is about movement of the team in attack and defence to ensure we remain compact with good distances between players. It also helps us develop good spatial awareness of the player in and out of possession, as well as creating good options for the man on the ball. MORE