Free Soccer Drills

Skill Practice

03

Defend The Defending Third | Skill Practice (03-P3)

Set Up

13 Outfield Players inc. 2 GKs, a central 15² area, 2 v 2 + Floater, 1 ST v 1 DF each end + 1 WM Floater either side to deliver. Here we are defending the goal from wide deliveries starting with 2 v 1 situations, gradually building numbers to develop individual and paired defending in the final third. Individual defending, reading of delivery, marking and positional sense off ball delivery. Central players must make 5 passes before delivering to wide player who puts a cross in the box. Teammate in area (not passer) makes 2 v 1 by attacking area. If they regain in area, they can break immediately to create same 2 v 1.

Key Coaching Points

Assess flight of the ball quickly to be able to defend effectively.
Be in a position to see both ball delivery and attacking player - Quick feet

Progressions & Constraints

Allow ball directly into ST feet so defender can deal with direct play.

Key Coaching Questions

Are you able to intercept or cause problems on player's first touch?
How can you read a player's turn? Body shape, stronger foot.. Can you dictate this?

Player Focus

Individual Defending | 1 v 1 Technique | Reading Flight | Quick feet | Physical Use