Soccer drill to develop defensive understanding
This soccer drill is 1v1 on the pitch but the defender receives verbal support from his team-mate, which is crucial to developing a 2v1 defensive understanding. It helps players get used to talking to each other during matches and helping out verbally in situations where players cannot see each other.
Without communication you have to assume you are defending alone and cannot pressure the attacker.
Soccer drill set up
In an area 30x30 yards you need two cones, a ball and a goal - a goalkeeper is not vital but makes it harder for the attacker to score.
Run the drill
- The midfielder passes the ball into the attacker, and a 1v1 soccer drill commences with the supporting defender giving advice to his team-mate who must try and stop the attacker getting a shot in on goal.
- The coach should give examples for the players to call such as “get tight,” “stop the turn,” “show left,” “win the ball.”
- Once the ball has been played, the attacker and defender are replaced and a new supporting defender gives advice.
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Perfect Defending by Michael Beale, Chelsea FC academy coach.
Click here for a soccer drill to get your midfielders defending, then attacking.
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