By Sean Reed -
Objective
This session focuses on working with players to manage 1v1 situations where they are required to protect the ball while under pressure from a defending player.
Session 1
Diagram 1
Set Up
- Working within an area 5-7yds x 5-7yds
- 1v1 in the area
- A ball on top of the cone
- 1 player is the attacking player
- 1 player is the defending player
- The defending player is looking to knock the ball off the cone
- The attacking player is looking to protect (legally) the ball from being knocked off the cone
Coaching Points
- Distance from the ball – getting between man and ball
- Body shape (balance)
- Use of body to protect the ball
- Adjustment and movement
- Awareness of opposition player
- Managing space and area
Session 2
Diagram 2
Set Up
- Working within an area 5-7yds x 5-7yds
- 1v1 in the area
- 1 player is the attacking player
- 1 player is the defending player
- The defending player is looking to win possession of the ball
- The attacking player is looking to maintain possession of the ball for as possible
- If the defender win possession of the ball or the ball goes outside the area. The roles change
- Objective is to maintain control of the ball for the most length of time
Coaching Point
- Distance from the ball – getting between man and ball
- Manipulating the ball whilst under pressure
- Body shape (balance)
- Use of body to protect the ball
- Adjustment and movement
- Awareness of opposition player
- Managing space and are
Session 3
Diagram 3
Set Up
- Working within an area 5-7yds x 5-7yds
- 1v1 in the area with 2 players from each team on either side of the area
- 1 player is the attacking player
- 1 player is the defending player
- Players on the outside are restricted to 1 touch only and can only play into their relevant player
- The attacking player in the middle is looking to work the ball from one end to the other, they can only pass the ball to the outside player once and then they must work the ball to the other player
Coaching Points
- Distance from the ball – getting between man and ball
- Manipulation of the ball
- Body shape (balance)
- Use of body to protect the ball
- Adjustment and movement
- Awareness of opposition player
- Managing space and area
- Receiving the ball under pressure
- Managing pressure on the 1st touch
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship side Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.
Web - www.seanjreed.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
