Soccer drill to get your defenders closing ranks
Getting your defenders to close ranks on an attacking threat is vital for taking control of defensive situations in a match.
Give the opposition time on the ball in your half of the pitch and they will find it much easier to create goal-scoring chances from good passes.
All your players should be able to quickly close down the opposition, no matter where they play on the pitch. If attackers are helping out the defence, they become an important part of the closing ranks.
What you want your players to achieve when they are closing down is to make it harder for opponents to pass the ball. The discipline needs good timing and anticipation so the defenders can stay balanced on their feet.
- Try and anticipate while the ball is moving.
- Concentrate on the opponents around the ball.
- Wait until the right moment to make the tackle.
- Try and stay standing at all times.
I use this soccer coaching game to get my defenders moving to block the pass and keep attackers at bay. They need to watch the ball at all times and keep tabs on the opponents.
How to play the game
- Defenders start on the edge of the pitch and pass the ball across to an attacker.
- Defenders must follow the ball to mark the attackers.
- Attackers can only have three touches each and must cross the line of cones before they can pass to attacker 3, who must stay off the pitch at the defenders’ end.
- Defenders must move to block passes to attacker 3.
- Defenders should have their knees slightly bent in a crouching position, and be slightly side on to the attacker.
- Defenders should be close enough to the attacker to pounce if a chance to tackle is offered.
- Defenders should stay on their feet and move quickly.
- Good communication between team-mates is necessary when passing or covering the space to block.
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