Session: DO.007 
 Age: 12-Adlt |
 Intensity: Low |
 Time: 20 mins |
 Positions: 4,5 |
 Players: 13 |
 Area: 1/4 Field |
Exercise Objectives
- To train the central defenders on their defensive responsibilities.
- Develop their ability to work as a defending pair.
Organisation
Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement
Set-Up
- Mark out roughly 1/4 of a full size pitch (30x25 yrds). Mark out a support player area where a supporting (feeder) starts.
- 2 attackers (+Feeder) (Yellow)
- 2 central defenders (Red)
- 2 support players (Orange)
Instructions
- There is generally one start position for this drill with the player at the back of the area playing the ball in and then joining the play for the attacking team.
Scoring
- 2 teams compete and attempt to score.
- The attacking team scores by scoring on the goal.
- The defending team scores by intercepting the ball and playing it out to one of the feeder players.
Coaching Points
- Switch on when defending!
- Communication between the 2 centre backs.
- Develop a players dribbling ability and control.
- Stay goal side but ready to step and intercept.
- The nearest play to the ball should pressure (Immediate).
- Deny the forwards turning and facing goal where possible.
- Is it possible to step and intercept a poorly hit pass into the forwards?
- Discuss the concept of the Defensive Triangle, one defender steps and pressures; one drops off to provide cover and balance. Marking their player and ½ of their team-mates.
- Close down quickly, as the ball is moving.
- Body position of the defender should be side on, low centre of gravity (bent knees) and on the inside shoulder of the forward.
- Discuss a possible early cross (near post or far post?).
- Get there fast, Arrive slow. Don’t dive in!
- Be patient, timing of the challenge (if any).
- Drop on anticipation of a through ball.
- Step up the line on negative passes.
- On through balls decide whether to step for offside, hold or track and drop.
- Through balls could be intercepted and dealt with by the GK (acting as sweeper)?
Diagram 2. Possible CB Scenarios (Long Ball)
Diagram 3. Possible CB Scenarios (Negative Pass)
Diagram 4. Possible CB Scenarios (Cover/Balance)
Diagram 5. Possible CB Scenarios (Through Balls)
Progressions
- Add players A4 and A5 (defended by D3 and D4). These players cannot go into the regular playing area and are restricted to their playing zone. A3 now becomes a pure target player and does not leave the line where they support the play (or can enter the play as shown below and play in the grey area also). Defenders score by passing into the target player. Offside does apply. (Diagram 7).
Diagram 7. Progression
Variations
- Allow the target (support) player to only play on the line and not enter the play to give a numbers up for the attackers.
- Increase the length of the playing area to encourage through balls.
Darren Pitfield
Alexander Trukan
TonyDeers
