By Mike Smith
Even if your team is a high pressure team, taking the time to get behind the ball and get in shape can still be critical to preventing counters or getting burned by a speedster. This session works with the idea of a group of 4 defenders focusing on getting in shape to deny penetration. This simple idea is worth a whole session in my opinion, so make sure the team is good and warmed up prior to starting. This activity can be repeated in other areas of the field or the coach may run in groups of attackers and defenders after a set amount of time, to accommodate all members of the team.
Lesson 1
Drop in First
Set Up
Set up a 30 yd wide by 50 yd long box as shown. Place two central cones in each of the two “end” sections to make target zones. 7 players, 3 attackers and 4 defenders work with in this area. Play starts with all players on the end line facing the same direction. The attacking team must make one pass with in the first zone before trying to advance the ball. The defending team should “skip” a section and try to get to the third section and get organized to then pressure the attackers.
As shown, the defending team should use the staggered, two up two back shifting pattern to deny penetration, mark anyone inside their zone and force back passes.
If the attackers can work the ball into the end zone successfully, they score a point. IF the defensive team gets the ball, they can either clear it out to the RIGHT side or attempt to possess for a certain number of passes.
Coaching Points
Good organization on the part of the defenders is the key here. The coach should focus on making sure the defending team doesn’t get beaten by penetration in the zone they are in. IF the attacking team can successfully switch the ball, the defensive team should always look to drop into the next zone before pressing the ball. All restarts are taken from the top with both teams facing the same direction.
Lesson 2
Give Them a Target
Set Up
After the defending group has mastered getting back into shape, add a target player and marker for each group, so 4 additional players. The markers and targets must stay in the end zones. Goals are now scored by getting the ball in to the target player who must make a clean reception.
Coaching Points
The idea is still organization to deny penetration before applying pressure. The marking back helps but the coach should still encourage the active 4 players in the open area of the box to shut down anything coming through their zone. The more mobile this group can become, the more space they can control, and the better your team will perform during matches. To progress add an additional target player and marker for each side as it is quite common to find 7 players from a team working in a 50 x 30 zone. While this session leaves out the goals and scoring, winning the ball in this situation in a game, and adding one clean field switch will definitely lead to more scoring chances.
By Mike Smith
Currently the Head Coach for University Heights Academy Boys Soccer in Hopkinsville, KY , Mike is in his 14th year as a high school head coach with 23 years coaching experience overall and 34 year as a student and fan of the game. He holds a USSF D License.
