Defensive Compactness | Rondo / Directional / Opposed (06-S2)

Phase 5: Defending Organised

Age Group 11+

Duration 90 minutes

Players 12+

This is the 2nd 3 Part Animated Session in Coaching Theme 06 | Defensive Compactness which has a Rondo / Directional Practice / Opposed Skill. This 90 minute session develops player's understanding of their defensive duties as part of a unit.

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OPPOSED

06

Defensive Compactness | Opposed Practice (06-P2)

Organisation / Set Up
This animated 5 v 2 Possession v Pressing practice focuses on interventions to develop challenge for both passing and defending players.
 
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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.
 

0603a

 
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.

 

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OPPOSED

06

Defensive Compactness | Opposed Practice (06-P1)

Set Up
202 yard for younger age groups, increasing in size with age increase no bigger than 302. Four players to keep possession on outside of square with two Floaters either end & 1-2 placed centrally, with four Yellows central trying to regain possession. When possession regained Yellows move to outside, Blues become central defending players.
 

06 P1a

 
Progression 1 | 4 In - 4 Out
Once defenders have gained possession, then now become outside players and switch play.
 

06 P1b

 
Progression 2 | Step Inside
1 player can step inside off the line, encouraging outside floater to find angles.
 

06 P1c

 
Progression 3 | Rotation
Central Floater can rotate with outside floater to encourage fluid movement.
 

06 P1d

 
Key Coaching Points
  • Players love this possession practice, yet must be disciplined to ensure practice runs smoothly. Once possession lost, there is no immediate regain, players must get to the inside and regain team must move to outside before possession contested.
  • SPACE | Ensure practice area is appropriate for age group, may need to add 5 yard outside zone for younger players
  • TIME | Players have 2 seconds in transition to get inside and outside, change groups every 2-3 minutes, go through groups twice.
  • EQUIPMENT | Need to have a supply of balls with transition regular. 2/3 sets of bibs (4) and flat discs to ensure minimum disruption to session. Ability to finish chances.
  • PLAYER | May want to designate Floater players as those identified as needing to improve in possession. Be creative with numbers 5 v 5 + 2 Floaters?
 

06 P1e

 
Player Focus
Passing | Movement To Receive | Body shape | Defensive Compactness | Press Decision