Organisation

Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement

Set-Up

• Mark out 1/2 size pitch (2 gate goals for the defending team). Keep a collection of balls at the 1/2 way line for quick restarts. Starting position 1 is on the half half line (centre circle).
• 6 Red defending players (2 CBs, RFB, LFB, 2 CMs)
• 6 White attacking players (2 Strikers, 1 Attacking mid, 1 Defensive mid, 2 wingers)
• 1 goalkeepers (Green)

Instructions

• 2 teams compete. The red team attempts to defend (win the ball back or deny a good opportunity to score), retain possession and score in the small gate goals if possible. The white team attempt to score on goal. :
• The defensive centre mid plays a ball out from the centre circle unopposed. Preferably to an outside midfielder.
• The coach then works with the defensive unit to understand how to pressure the players and how the unit performs. Refer to key Coaching Points below.
• Topics to Cover:
• When to step (pressure) to a player and when not to (drop off).
• Sliding as a unit to the strong side of the field (the side with the ball in it).
• The back 4 steps up when the ball is played negatively (backwards).
• The back 4 drops when they anticipate a ball being played long over the top.
• The 2 centre midfielders screen the back 4 from balls into the forwards feet.
• Outside back should pressure their outside mids.
• GK acts as sweeper.
• Mark your man and 1/2 the players next to you (zonal or mixed marking/zonal back 4)
• Communication (Leadership), who calls the line?
• Team strategy - High press or low press?

Diagram 2. Defending Unit Sliding (Strong Side)

Diagram 3. Defending Unit Pushing Up

Diagram 4. Defending Unit Dropping on Anticipation of Ball Behind

Scoring

• The white attacking teams scores in the regular goal. The defending team scores by playing the ball through one of the gate goals on the half way line. Also see variation 2.