Soccer coaching session for defending skills
This soccer coaching session from Tony Carr creates situations where defenders face an increasing number of attackers. They have to react to, and deal with, the waves of attacks.
This game tests your defenders' decision making under increasing levels of pressure. Each attack gives the defenders different problems to solve. For example:
- Who is going to press the opponent? What type of support do they give their team mates?
- Once a player has defended successfully in the multi-ball exercise, who should they go and help?
How to play soccer coaching session
Create a 30 yards wide by 40 yards long playing area.
Three defenders start in the area and defend 3v1, 3v2 and 3v3 situations, with the attackers attempting to score in the goal. After each wave of attack, the attackers replace the defenders for the next turn.
Next, the three defenders defend against one attacker in a 3v1, then two attackers who have a ball each in a 3v2, and then three attackers with a ball each in a 3v3 (creating three 1v1 situations).
Players must react to help each other as each ball leaves the pitch.
How to develop the skills
Defenders must protect their goal against five consecutive balls. After each attacker starts his run, a new attacker enters the game. The defenders, therefore, practice from having a 3v1 advantage over the attackers through to 3v5 in the attackers' favour.
Attackers already in the playing area do not have to return to the starting point.
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