Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending: Control and Restraint All Ages

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1) Defenders are defending as a back four, the team with the normal goal must make sure there are no gaps for the opposition to exploit.

Set Up:

40x30 yrd area with two small goals in the corners at one end and a normal goal at the other. No keepers. The play will always restart with the coach passing a ball in.

How to Play:

Play 4v4 with no pass above head height. The players defending the two goals play like a four man midfield, while the other four defend the single goal as a defensive unit. The team defending the single goal must be a tight unit squeezing space in front of goal because there is no keeper. The opposition do the opposite, forcing play inside by protecting the wings. Play for 5 minutes and then switch the teams.

Technique:

Both teams use defensive tactics, however, one plays like a four man defence and the other like a four man midfield. This covers the main areas and tactics that teams use when defending. The midfield blocks wide and forces play into the strong defensive middle, leaving nowhere for teams to penetrate.