By Chris Kouns
USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Women’s Soccer Coach – Georgia Gwinnett College
This session is focused on training your players to defend effectively in 1 v 1 situations.
Set-Up
Players will be divided into groups of three. Each group will be in a rectangle grid that is approximately 6 yards wide and 20 yards deep. There will be one defender at the edge of the ten yard and 20 yard markers (they should be offset). The third player will have a ball at the opposite end of the grid.
Three yards behind the end of the rectangle is a small goal.
Execution
The player with the ball will take a touch into the first portion of the grid which will activate the first defender. The second defender will activate when the dribbler enters their grid.
The dribbler will try to score in the small goal and the defender will try to deny the shot and win the ball.
Coaching Points
Close on the dribbler at full speed within a yard of them and then chop your steps so that you are not taking large strides and can turn easily.
As the dribbler approaches the defender extend your arm and begin to guide the dribbler towards the side of the grid. Use arm as a buffer not to allow the dribbler to move easily past.
Body position should place the back foot of the defender between the ball and the edge of the next grid.
Body shape should be in an athletic stance and not straight up.
Part 2
Setup
An area 30 yds deep by 32 yds wide will be divided into sections that are ten yards deep and eight yards wide.
Within the area there will be four defenders. Each defender will be limited to individually defending in any single grid. They may move to different grids to cover for one another, but, there is no more than one defender inside an individual grid.
Outside the grid will be three attackers who can move anywhere they want within the area. The attackers are trying to get to the other side of the grid where they can score on a big goal with a goal keeper.
Execution
The three attackers will begin by taking a touch into the grid which will release the defenders. The defenders should move to support one another while being responsible for defending their grid. If they win the ball they should work to get the ball out the top of the grid in possession.
Coaching Points
As the defenders move from grid to grid they should keep their body positions at angles which will allow them to defend immediately if the ball enters their grid.
When the ball is in an individual defenders grid they should attack the ball at full pace trying to win the ball, not delay it.
The supporting defenders should give verbal direction or communication to the player in the individual battle that is specific and quick.
Part 3
Setup
On a full field two teams will play 11 v 11.
Execution
In terms of defending there will be no double teaming. A player with the ball cannot be defended by more than one player at a time. Thus, if they beat the player in front of them they will be given one more touch before the next defender can engage them.
Coaching Points
All technical points from previous exercises should be followed.
If it appears the attacking player will be getting by the defender they should work to make sure the attacker must pass them on the opposite side of the goal and not in a position where they could shoot before a covering defender is allowed to tackle.
By Chris Kouns: USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Coach Georgia Gwinnet College Women’s Soccer (GA)
