Soccer drill to improve 2v2 defending technique

When players work in pairs, you need to coach them how to support each other and communicate. They can then add these elements to their individual soccer skills and become more complete defenders.

This passive soccer (football) drill gives players valuable experience of working together to pressure an opponent. It also gives you time to coach positioning and communication between your players.

soccer (football) drill to get defenders working in pairs

Player movement and ball movement bar

How to run the 2v2 defending soccer (football) drill

Set up a 20 yards by 20 yards playing area for the defending soccer drill.
Two players are nominated as defenders and the remaining players dribble around the area with a ball each.
The two defenders pick out ball carriers and take it in turns to put passive pressure on the ball. The player not pressuring must take up a supporting position and communicate to their team-mate.
The defenders should not complete a tackle. The drill is intended as a means to practise the technique only.

Click here to order a copy of Perfect Defending, a manual with 67 easy-to-coach soccer drills for marking, tackling and blocking.

Click here for a soccer drill session where players have to defend in threes.

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