Free Soccer Drills

Directional

06

Defensive Compactness | Directional (06-P3)

Organisation / Set Up

This defending practice develops player's ability to defend as a group against through balls, by covering passing lines and reacting to ball movement. With four teams of three working in a 25 x 30 (depending on age group), the objective is for three of these teams to combine outside of a central 15² yard area, which is protected by one of the teams of three. Three defenders must prevent through balls being played through the area and gain possession as many times as possible in the allotted time before rotating players.

Key Coaching Points

Compactness between 3 defenders, with quick movement to cover passing lines checking shoulders.
Awareness of angle of pressure for individual players, teammates adjust to pressing players regain attempts.
Communication between all defenders continued checking of shoulders and continuous adjustments during defending phase.

Progressions & Constraints 1

1 Defender can now press to win possession while 2 teammates cover passing lines in central area.

Progressions & Constraints 2

Attacking player can drop into central area, attempting to play off the shoulder of defenders.