Make soccer defending more fun for young players
Young players often love attacking but hate defending... but it does not have to be like that. Here are some simple drills to teach young players defending AND to enjoy them.
Don't start your session with "today is all about defending" I can hear the boos already... emphasise the point that they can win the exercises by using good defending techniques.
- Your players will work hard at defending in order to beat the other player and win points for their team.
- Start with no tackling, just interceptions and body positions which will help with the third exercise.
Mark out two 10-yard square areas.
Pick two teams of five players. Number the players 1 to 5. Number 1 from each team must go into the other team's area.
Game 1 – stop the other team making 20 passes: The team of four pass one ball around the area. The defender must continuously try to stop them completing passes. The first team to complete 20 passes is the winner.
Game 2 – tackle all four attackers: Each of the attackers dribbles around the area with a ball. The defender must tackle or dispossess them quicker than the defender in the other area.
Game 3 – knock all four balls off the cones: The attackers must each defend a ball balanced on a cone by using good ball-shielding technique. The defender must knock the four balls off the cone quicker than the other defender.
The team is awarded one point for each game they win.
This article was originally in Smart Sessions.
For more soccer coaching tips and products visit Soccer Coaching Club.
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