Practice Library
Underloads
10
Defensive Pressure | Opposed Practice (10-P2)
Organisation / Set Up
This Level 1, opposed practice is the 2nd part of Theme 10: Defensive Pressure. We begin with 2 players at each end who must combine before attacking a single defender. The player who plays a bounce pass must then support the attacking player from the opposite side aware of the offside line. Defending players decide how and when to apply pressure, with both pairs attacking at the same time.
Key Coaching Points
- Tech | Apply correct defending technique in pressing phase
- Tactical | Know how to isolate attacking players (weaker foot/passing lines)
- Psych | Be assertive in your decision, recognise when to be aggressive.
Progressions & Constraints 1
Allow wide player to dribble without combining, impacting on the decision of players in the opposite pair.
Challenge 1
Stimulate the group by adding competition, keeping scores between paired groups, goalkeepers and defenders as well.
Key Questions
- How does the overload determine your decisions in defending?
- How can you use the offside line effectively to isolate players?
- How can you remove attackers strengths in your defending? (Quick decisions)
