Defending - individual, unit and team

What I love about this session is that it’s a straight competition between defenders and attackers. It takes the principles of defending as individuals, in units and as a team, whilst also encouraging forwards and midfielders to engage, thus making it as realistic as possible for defenders.

We encourage and coach defenders to keep clean sheets – that’s not just the job of the keeper – and the best way to do this is to limit the number of shots and crosses to be defended. We also want to coach the attackers to use their individual skills to find ways to beat opponents in 1v1 and 2v2 situations, as well as bringing in combination and link-up play to create opportunities to shoot and score goals. This makes for realistic situations to practice, even more so if the tempo and intensity we play at ensures each practice is performed at match pace.

The full session will be run three to four times within the pre-season training programme and then broken up for use in training during the season as a reminder of principles of play, and as match preparation for forthcoming games.

What do I get the players to do?

Attack v defence variations

As shown ((1) through to (6)), we set up a variety of different attack versus defence sequences with increases in player numbers building from 1v1s right the way through to a 6v4. A slow build-up of player numbers combined with the removal of some pitch restrictions means players will grow in both knowledge and confidence as the practice progresses.

Unless stated, each of these separate practices will feature three repetitions before a rotation is made with the player or players waiting behind the goal.

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6

8v8 and 2v2s

Now using a half-pitch as shown (7), this is a practice that sees attackers try to score in a set-up that links an 8v8 with a 2v2. In one half of the pitch a team is operating as individuals and in team shape as an 8v8. When in possession they try to pass into their two strikers who look to negotiate a route past the two defenders and score. After 10 minutes teams change over with the other team attacking into the two front men.

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When the ball goes dead the game restarts either from the keeper, or the servers located on each side of the pitch.

11v11

We conclude by moving this into a full match practice using a designated offside line to give attackers and defenders definitive thirds to break beyond. We want to see players adopt the approach play they have been practising in the earlier exercises and will also insist that the ball remains below head height unless it’s a cross or a shot.

What are the key things to look out for?

Firstly we demand a good attitude and approach to defending, with defenders adopting smart positions when being attacked 1v1. They must be insistent on limiting shots and crosses, need to show support and awareness of covering positions, and should always be working together as units. Talking and communication is vital for both defenders and attackers, who must use a combination of individual skill and team movement in looking to cause problems for those at the back.

As for mistakes, defenders crossing over in 2v2 situations can often present attackers with goalscoring chances. We also find players sometimes marking zones or space in the box and not the attacking players’ runs and movement into the danger area.