By Mike Smith
Good defense has several aspects. The most common is just getting back to clog space, and I will take that all the time. However, a team that wishes to play complete defense should also have good marking, players attempting to deny penetrating passes and players focused on winning long services of the ball. The lesson works on all of these aspects with a focus on good marking, denying penetrating passes and winning the long ball.
Lesson 1
Shadow
Set-Up
This drill can be varied as far as the exact pattern used, the main idea is the shadowing. 4 lines of players set up in a 5 yd by 15 yd rectangle grid ( as shown). The player at the top of the grid passes the ball to the player directly below them and then runs to shadow the receiving player. The receiving player dribbles to the center of the grid, passes the ball to the opposite player and then both the starting player and original receiving player peel off to the outside and switch lines. The second receiving player repeats the process: a long pass to the player below, follow for the shadowing, dribble to center, pass to opposite line and peel off.
Coaching Points
The coach should focus on the shadowing player closing down quickly, coming under control, getting low and using a staggered stance to shuffle and pivot as the ball handler dribbles.
Lesson 2
6 v 6 Restraining Zone
Set-Up
Make a 10 yard deep , field width restraining zone at the top of the 18 as shown. 3 defenders will occupy this zone. In the area from the 18 in towards goal, 3 attackers work against 2 defenders and the keeper. The ball starts back on the field on the other side of the restraining zone where 3 attackers work against 1 defender. All players must stay in their designated zones. The idea is for the 3 defenders in the restraining zone to pressure the SPACE and not allow easy passes through to the attackers inside the 18. IF the defenders inside the 18 pressure and mark well, combined with the top defender cutting off the easy switch the attackers play will become slow and predictable and should allow opportunities for the defenders to win the ball. Play starts from the central attacker, and it is relatively free play as long as the players stay in their zones. The keeper should stay in the goalie box at this stage.
Coaching Points
The coach should manage the timing of the exercise as another means of pressure. Give the attackers touch limits or 5 seconds to release the ball. Force the attackers to take chances, much as a team would during a game, so the defenders will have realistic opportunities to try and win the ball.
Lesson 3
Attack the Service
Set-Up
On a half field, 5 attackers start on the half line and go to goal. Cone lines extend the 18 all the way to the midfield stripe. ( as shown ) The central attacker must play the ball out to the widest player, who will be unmarked, to start the activity. The remaining attackers are marked on the half line and the defenders follow their marks to goal as soon as play starts. An additional defender starts at the corner of the 18 and the end line and should focus on intercepting the service from the free attacker. The keeper is free to play inside the entire penalty area as well. Defenders should hold their marks until the attackers reach the penalty box. IF a defender then wants to step out and mark the serving attacker, the free defender must cover the mark that is left open.
Coaching Points
All aspects of defense are in play here. Try to get back early and get organized, but account for your marks. Force the attackers into a predictable service and try to aggressively win the ball. Once the space and the marks are accounted for, shift and communicate to aggressively pressure everything. The coach should focus on the defense with this drill and it is especially useful for teaching a team to both recover against counter attacks and mark tight when packed inside the box.
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.
