By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
Welcome to the FineSoccer Drills Newsletter. Today’s featured activity works on defensive recovery
Start with a 4 v 4 game plus keepers on a 50 x 40 area
This game is designed to work on players getting back and providing support after the player they are marking plays the ball. Too often we see defensive players either relax and let their player run by them or chase the ball leaving their player wide open
To help prevent these bad tendencies, this game has one simple rule (outside of the regular laws of the game). Each time a pass is made, the player marking the passer MUST make a minimum of a 5 yard run back toward goal.
This will help prevent their player from getting behind them and also will force them to be in a position to provide support to their teammates.
On every pass this defensive recovery run will get made. All of a sudden they will find that they no longer get caught out of position and can help their teammates more. Any time this 5 yard run isn’t made, it’s a point for the other team (goals also count as points).
Keep in mind this 5 yard run is the minimum distance, they can make further runs (and frequently should).
Have a great day!
Lawrence
By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
