Positive approach to defending

TEAM GAME

We set up in an area to be adjusted according to the number of players available to you; consider their age and stage. Mark out the area widthways in thirds using your discs. We set up in two teams with equal numbers.

This activity runs under normal match rules, but with some special conditions. When defending, all players must occupy two of the three thirds, without a gap in between. Both teams start with ten goals. A team loses a goal every time they concede. The team with the most goals left wins the game.

In this example, we are playing 11v11 with the blue team seeking to score [1a] and the red team defending [1b].

We run this for three reps of eight minutes.

[1a]

1. Blue team in possession, seeking to score

[1b]

1. Red team defending as a whole, staying within two of the three marked zones

To progress the session, I would remove the lines which created the three zones, and add in lines running the length of the pitch to create five channels [1c]. This adaptation will allow me to see how the players maintain their distances without the width references but now try and occupy three out of the five channels without a gap in between, using the length line references.

[1c]

1. Progression – five channels

2. Blues looking to score

3. Reds occupying three channels as they defend

coaching points

What are the key things to look out for?

Throughout the session, I would be observing:

• if players are trying to delay the opposition and how
• if they are getting compact and when
• if they are providing cover and balance when there is pressure on the ball
• when around their own goal if they try to show control and restraint to defend without mistakes.

The intent would be encouraged throughout.

While all these things may be happening, my focus would be on one or two principles maximum, and this needs to be clear for the players as well. Players would then receive coaching points linked to these principles and their decisions. For example, if it was decided to apply pressure on the ball high up the pitch, we would discuss coaching points around speed and angle of approach for the player pressing the ball; the players around the ball would receive information about locking on to the nearest supporting player for the opposition and keeping them on the outside shoulder, whilst the ones away from the ball would be prepared to defend the space vacated in behind by adopting a side on body shape which allows you to go either direction quickly. I would also look at the actions before, during and after a moment.