Defending principles in units

This session is about working with team mates to stop opposition teams playing beyond you, by simple balance and communication that can be taken into a bigger realistic practice.

Players at all levels need to be reminded of the principles outlined in this session. After all, more and more now, opposition teams are playing good football between the lines, so poor defensive shape and balance can leave players and defences exposed.

We saw the positive elements of this session come forward in our recent FA Cup second round match at MK Dons. Although we lost the game in injury-time, we succeeded in nullifying the hosts’ significant attacking threat in central areas.

What do I get the players to do?

Using a 44x25-yard area, we set up as shown. In the bottom channel is the server, while in the other we place two centre-forwards.

The server begins by playing in to any of his team mates (1a). Receiving players have three options:

(a) Play back to the server (one- or two-touch)

(b) Play sideways to a team mate in any of the other three boxes (1b)

(c) play into a centre-forward in the end zone (1c)

1a

1b

1c

Attacking centre-forwards in the end zone can only receive passes in a different box to the player passing to him. Doing so earns them a point.

Defenders have to stay in their zones until the ball is moved into the end zone, at which point they can recover into any area. Good covering is essential so easy passes aren’t allowed into the centre-forwards. Defenders score by turning over possession, then making three passes or laying back to the server.

What are the key things to look out for?

Defenders must press at high-intensity. They need to know what’s behind them to help the angle of the press, and must communicate with and cover team mates to stop the ball being played between them. They should never be square of one another, and must be ready to make recovery runs after pressing, or when the ball goes beyond them.

How do I progress the session?

Now add a penalty area beyond the end zone, with a goal and keeper in place (2). Here, we offer an added opportunity for the receiving player who, if he beats the defender 1v1 and moves into the end zone, can have an attempt on goal - scoring earns an additional point.

2

Alternatively, the forward can make a one-two with the centre-forward before an attempt on goal, but centre-forwards cannot turn and score (3). For a point, defenders still need to make three passes (4) or must feed the ball back to the server.

3

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