U13 Defending Practices הגנה טוב
U13 Defending Practices הגנה טוב
www.soccerpracticesessions.com
Tactical: #6/#8/#10 Understanding defending and attacking.
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Area: 15 x 15 with one ball and six players. 3 v 3 is played. Area: 25 x 30 with 4 small mini goals (or use GK’s) 3 v 3 is played Area – Half a field 6 v 7 + GK. White team play in a 4-3 and the blue
Two goals are placed at each corner for the yellow team to with two neutral side players play for the team in possession. team play a 3-3.
defend. 1. The attacking team look to score on the mini goals. They can 1. Blue team attack the large goal while the white team score by
1. The blue players pass the ball to each other. To begin with use the wide neutral players to keep possession. passing through one of the mini goals.
only the outside players can pass through any goal. 2. Wide neutral players are limited to two touches. 2. Normal rules apply.
2. The yellow defending team move as a unit, backwards and 3. The defending team use pressure, cover, balance to prevent 3. Observe the group and look at both sets of the midfield three.
forwards, side to side to prevent a goal from being scored. Which players have learned from the previous two exercises?
the attackers from scoring.
4. You can choose to work with one group or both.
3. You can either get the defenders to press and not win the 4. The game lasts until a goal is scored. A new set of 6 now
Variation:
ball or start with an all contact game (Depending on the ability come on the field. Have the white team attack the large goal.
of your players) Variation: Coaching points:
Coaching points: Use GK’s. Attacking team – One / two touch mentality. Move the ball quickly.
An understanding of pressing or blocking lines. Coaching points: Defending team – Pressure, cover and balance. When defenders win
Speed and angle of the press. Pressure, cover, balance. Team defending – Pressure, cover and balance. the ball, change the mindset, keep the ball to score.
Variation: Passing – Movement off the ball
Allow the middle attacker to score on any goal. 1v1 attacking and defending
Tactical: Pressing in the final third.
3
Area: 10 x 10 The coach has the soccer balls Area: (12 players) 40 x 30 split in thirds. 2 target players are on the
1.The coach serves in the ball. The player opposite closes down the end-line. Two small goals are placed at the opposite end. 6v4 is played Area: Half a field 6v6+GK. Two small goals on the halfway line.
player receiving the ball. in favor of the red team. 1. The GK has the ball. Reds move behind the ‘retreat line’ and let the
2. The player receiving the ball passes to the left and runs to the 1. A target player passes the ball to a blue. GK throw the ball our wide.
right. 2. The two red forwards press the ball. The other four reds look for 2. Once the GK does this, #9 arcs their run to block the square pass.
3. As you can see the player opposite always closes the player down triggers where they too can press the play. This is the trigger for the rest of the red team to react. If #9 does not
and the player passes to the left and runs to the right. 3. Blue team attempt to score in the small goals. If red team are not make this kind of run, the team does not press.
4.Keep repeating this pattern. pressing, blue player can hit a longer shot to score. 3. When reds win the ball the attempt to score o the large goal. As
Variation: 4. Reds score by passing the ball to a target player. soon as they lose the ball, can they press?
Pass to the right and run to the left. Variation:
Players can pass either right or left. Switch the target players. Coaching points:
Coaching points: Coaching points: Team-work.
Reacting when closing down the player receiving the ball. Defensive When to add pressure and when not. When to press and when not to press?
stance – force the play in a certain direction. Do you use a trigger word? Work ethic
You are preparing your players on reacting to pressing. Cues and The press triggers reactions from all players.
triggers. Reds are engaged and focused.
Tactical Midfield Play: The role of the defensive midfielder
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Technical passing - Area: 15 x 15 with five players and one ball. Have Area – 30 x 30 (three zones) Middle zone is 30 x 20 and two end zones Area: 40 x 70 playing area with two teams. Play 6 v 6. 3 v 3 in each
multiple stations. are 5 x 30. 3 v 3 is played in the middle zone with a holding midfielder attacking zone. The holding midfield player is in a 10 x 40 central zone.
1. The ball starts at position A. on the end line of the 5 x 30 zone. To score the ball has to be dribbled The group of 3 v 3 stay in their own half.
2. Player A passes to player B who drops the ball back to player A. to the opposite end line. Holding midfielders role:
3. Player A now passes diagonally to player C who drops the ball back 1. The holding midfielders when defending or attacking give verbal 1. (as shown) The red defenders attempt to get the ball to the red
to player B. instructions to their three team mates. attackers.
4. Player A moves to the next cone that is vacated by player B. When defending – The holding midfielder communicates to team 2. The grey attackers and the holding midfield play try to stop this.
5. Player B passes diagonally to Player D who drops the ball back to mates and can also stop a goal being scored. 3. If the holding midfielder blocks the pass, they start the attack again.
player C and player B moves to the next cone. The passing sequence When attacking – The holding midfield player can be used when If the grey attackers win the ball they can use the holding midfield
continues. keeping possession of the ball. They stay in the end zone. player to keep possession.
Variation: Variation: 4. If the ball is switched to the red attackers then the holding midfielder
Go the opposite direction Add two holding midfielders. helps the reds in possession and attempts to stop the grey defenders
Coaching points: Coaching points: getting the ball to the grey attackers.
Passing and receiving technique – Correct foot Verbal support could be: (You could add two holding midfielders to the middle zone.)
Body shape. Communication “Man on” “Get tight” “Show inside” “Win the ball” “Get goal side” Coaching points:
“Support” “Score” Holding midfielders positioning and communication
Defending: Reacting when ‘Out of balance’ (Deny and delay)
3
Teaching warm up: Set-up two stations if needed (as shown) Small sided game – Area: 60 x 40, 12 players 6 v 6. The field is Area: 80 x 65 Defend and counter. 7v6 plus goalkeeper. Yellows
in a 60 x 40. There is a five yard zone in the middle of the split in half. In one half Yellows are 4v3 while in the other half it attack the goal and play with 6 outfield players. Place cones 5
playing area. Groups of players are placed either side of the is reds who are overloaded with a 2v1. yard past the half. The defending red team play 3-1-3 and
goal. Player 1 starts with the ball. 1. Yellows have the ball and are playing 4v3. yellows play 3-3. The central attacker red and two wide players
1. Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 then enters the field. start at the end line. Play starts with the central red player.
2. Player 2 passes to one of the reds. Player 2 then has to 2. A red defender steps in and intercepts a pass. They then pass
to a red forward. 1. The central red attacker passes to a yellow.
sprint into the 5 yard zone and then recover to help player 1.
3. One of the yellows can recover to help the lone defender to 2. The three attackers drop back to help their team.
3. Both reds enter the field and play a 2v1 with player 2
recovering to make a 2v2. make it 2v2. 3. Can they recover quickly enough to outnumber the yellows?
Variation 4. If yellows win the ball in their defending half and pass it into 4. Once reds win the ball they score by a player dribbling past
Play it as a 3v2 + 1 recovering defender the attacking half then a yellow goes in to create the 4v3. the end line.
Variation: 5. The coach makes the decision on when the exercise should
Coaching points: Get the reds to be the recovering defending team restart with three reds on the endline.
When to press and delay? Coaching points:
Coaching points:
Where do you force the attacker? Good 1v1 defending. Press in the right areas
Speed of recovery by player 2. Speed of recovery
Press, delay or win the tackle? Quickly pass forward to launch the counter attack.
Communication
Defending: Aggressive team pressing
3
After a dynamic warm up, I now start the practice. You must tell Area – 40 x 40 split into 4 quarters. A blue cone is placed in the center. Area - Set up on half a field. Or just play equal sides. Shown is a 6v6 +
the players what you are working on, and the importance of work 8 v 4 (or 7 v 5) is played. A White player must always occupy the GK. Whites score by dribbling through any of the small goals on the
ethic, communication, decision making. middle cone. halfway line. Blue team attacks the larger goal.
Area: 40 x 40 with 12 players. Three teams of four. Each team has a 1. The game starts with the white team in possession. 1. I will coach ‘Pressing in the opponents half’.
soccer ball. 2. Blue team must quickly get all players in the square where the ball is 2. I will work on the blue team.
1. The teams pass their ball to each other and move around the played. 3. What is your coaching style when defending from the front?
playing area. 3. If the ball is played to the white central play and passed to another 4. I like the ball to be forced inside so we can win the ball and attack
2. The coach calls out a color. ”YELLOW!” All three teams now play square, whites score a goal. the opposition goal, but sometimes (as shown) the ball can be forced
with the Yellow teams ball. 4. Can the blue team win the ball and keep it? If blue team win the ball out wide. This depends on the positioning of the opposition and the
3. Yellow team keep possession and a yellow player must attempt and dribble it out of the square, then they score a goal. attacking team.
to dribble the ball through any gate. 5. Educate your players on this aspect of pressing. Teach them
4. The Blue and White teams press the ball and stop this from Coaching points: ’Trigger signs’ that can start a press.
happening. Once it is stopped or a goal is scored, all three teams Focus on the blue team (You can praise the white team for quality Coaching points:
start to pass their own balls again. possession) Communication. You could give the team a key word that makes the
Variation: Once the 8 players win the ball back, can one of them Closest blue adds pressure on the ball and forces the play a certain team press high “Who’s got number 7?” This can set off the high
dribble through a gate? direction. Team-mates quickly enter the square to cover and prevent press.
Coaching points: Players work hard but be smart. Closest play the ball coming out. Which way to force the ball?
presses the ball and forces the play in one direction, the rest follow Everyone is in sync to what is happening.
with smart positioning. Focus on coaching the team with 8 players.
Defending: Being competitive
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Area: Two 12 x 12 boxes with 4 players each box, with one ball. Area: 30 x 30 with two goals with goalkeepers. There are 4 defenders
Tail Tag
1. Two players start at the red cones on the end-line as shown. on the field and two teams of four jogging on the outside. All three
Area: 15 x 15, Each player has a pinnie tucked in the back of their
2. The players that are in the 12 x 12 area pass the ball and move in teams are separated by colored pinnies. The coach has all the soccer
shorts. Play with two / three teams all separated by the colored
their own area working on their technique. balls.
pinnies.
3. On the coaches signal, the two red players sprint round the far 1. The coach passes a ball to the defenders. The defenders pass and
1. The players run around inside the area trying to steal pinnies
red cones to box one and enter the 12 x 12 area. move around the area.
from the opposite team.
4. They attempt to win the ball while the 4 players play keep away. 2. The coach calls out a color “Red!”
2. Once they grab a pinnie, they throw it out of the playing area.
5. Once they win the ball, they move into box two until they have 3. The red team enters the field and attempts to win the ball from
3. The player who has had their pinnie thrown away can now put
won the ball and then they sprint past the end line. the defending team and score on either goal.
it back in and rejoin the game.
6. The coach times the players to see how long it takes them. Give 4. The defenders play possession football.
them another chance to beat their time. Allow every player to do 5. After a few attempts, switch out the defenders.
Variation:
this twice. Variation:
Once your pinnie is taken, you are out.
You can play numbers up with the attackers, play 4 v 2
Each player now has a ball. They try to steal other pinnies while
Coaching points: Coaching points:
keeping control of their ball.
Praise the competitive actions. Team work. Pressure as a team.
Play teams against each other.
Speed of thought when the ball is won by attackers.
Create scoring opportunities.
Defending: Pressing (Triggers & signs)
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Area: Set up as shown above. Use a 7x7 playing area with three Area – Half a field. 8v8 with each goal-keeper standing in the ‘D’ on Area - Set up on three quarters of a field with 11 v 10. (I arrange to
reds inside each area. Run as many areas as needed (six players per the edge of the penalty area. play another age group)
area) There are three yellow defenders standing at the tall cone The red team is in a 4-4-2 and the yellow team is set up in a 4-3-3.
each has a ball. 1. The red team attacks the big goal. The Red team will only ever
1. The first yellow defender plays the ball to any red player and 1. The game starts with the goal-keeper playing to a red. have 8 players active on the field when they have possession. Two
then presses the ball in a 3v1 scenario. 2. The aim of the exercise is for the attacking team to pass the ball reds must stay behind the area marked by the red cones.
2. Reds must make 8 passes or the yellow defender must win the around and whenever they get the opportunity, they can chip the ball 2. The yellow team must defend by keeping their shape,
ball for this part of the exercise to end. into the hands of the opposite goal-keeper to score a point. communicating, knowing when to press or sit back and looking for
3. The second yellow defender now passes their ball in and plays 3. The yellows have to press the ball quickly to prevent this from triggers to press as a team.
3v1. happening. 3. When yellows win possession, they can score in the small mini
4. After each round the red team add up their number of passes. 4. Allow the attacking team to shoot from wherever they think is goals.
5. Play until all three defenders have had a turn (maximum of 24 possible. You are focusing on the defending team. 4. As soon as the yellow team score or a shot is missed the red center
passes) After all three yellows have defended, they then switch 5. If the goalkeeper has the ball, they distribute it to start the attack. back quickly starts the game to see how yellows react to being out of
roles. The red players now become the defenders. Can the red Coaching points: balance.
team stop the yellow team making more passes? Communication. Players understanding of when to press. Looking for Coaching points:
Coaching points: signs when to press as a team. If the ball is facing your goalkeeper, Approach quickly then jockey as you engage the player with the ball.
Looking at the work ethic and defensive stance of the defender. players closest will press while players closest to the GK may back off. Which way are you going to force the play? Wide or towards a team
If opposition is facing their own GK, that is the sign for the whole team mate?
to press tight.
Defending: The basics on how to defend
1 2 3
Area – Set up 3 or 4 channels 8 x 20. Place a ball at opposite ends Area – Set up three 8 x 20 grids. Each grid has a goal at each end. The Half of the players from each team move to the next grid.
of each channel. Blue cones are placed 5 yards behind the coach has all the balls. Players are placed at both sides of their goal. Part 2
channels. Split your group into two teams and place them on cone 2v2 is played in two grids. Players must stay in their own grid.
A & B. Part 1 1. The coach serves in a ball to any player. That player and their team
1. On the coach’s signal Player A moves to the left and player B to mate in the opposite grid enter their playing area. Two defenders
1v1 and is played in one grid. (Or two if you have lots of players)
the right. They enter the first channel.
1. The coach serves in a ball to any player. That player plays a 1v1 enter their playing area also.
2. Player A dribbles the ball to the middle of the channel while
player B performs the defensive stance. against the player diagonally opposite. 2. Players can pass to each other to try and move the defenders but
3. They both get to the middle player A turns and returns the ball 2. The object of the exercise is for the defender to defend the 1v1 they must stay in their own playing area.
and player B returns and they both move into the next channel. properly while the player with the ball attempts to score on their goal. 3. A goal can be scored on either goal. The object of the exercise is to
4. Player B now dribbles the ball while player A performs the Coaching points: teach the defender who is not adding pressure, to cover their goal
defensive stance. The next group of players now go. Force the play one way (weaker foot) Variation:
5. Once the players have completed the course, they jog behind Take a good defensive stance Part 3 - Now move to the third grid and play 3 v 3. Watch how the
the blue cones and back to the start. Encourage defenders to make the tackle. players will offer instant cover and balance.
Coaching points: Note: When you move to the second and third playing areas, the
The defensive stance – Pressure ball. Decide when to crouch and
players will have to be good a decision making on who starts the
bend your knees. Take a ‘side’ position to force the play one way.
Spring back when exercise is finished to move to next area. exercise. They mirror the pairing who start the exercise.
Defending: The defensive screen - Teamwork
1 2 3
Area – 24 x 25 (Two 12 x 25 areas) Area – 36X40 with two 15 yard end zones and a 10 yard Area – Half a field or full field, depending on numbers.
4v4 with 2 or 3 target players outside the area. The coach center zone. Good for 12, 15, or 18 players split into 3 teams. Have two small target goals at each end. Teams score by
has all the soccer balls. Two teams are in each end zone and a defending team in the passing through these goals. You can work on one team
middle zone. defending and keep having yellows attack or you can play it as
1. The 4 players cannot come outside their area.
2. The coach serves in a ball. 1. The coach plays the ball to yellows. a game and coach both teams on compact defending.
3. The objective of the exercise is for the players in 2. Two defending blues enter the area. The yellows keep 1. Look for the defending team to slide and make the area
possession to pass to any of the target players. The ‘back possession and attempt to pass the ball to the opposite red where the ball is compact.
four’ move as a unit to block the passes. team. 2. See if the players can use the coaching points from the other
4. If a pass is blocked the game continues. If a pass is made to 3. The defending blue team make play predictable. The two two exercises.
the target players they pass the ball to the opposite team for inside the end zone press the ball while the other three cover Coaching points:
them to continue. and balance and block passing lines. Communication
5. Change target players 4. The ball cannot go above head height. Work as a unit
Variation: Switch defenders Reactions
Coaching points:
Team-work and communication Coaching points: Communication. Be compact. Make play
Positional sense, angles, balance of the four players. predictable. Move as a unit. Arc your runs.
Defending: Defending as a unit
3
Area: Warm up - Set up as shown above. Use a 7x7 playing area Area – 24 x 25 (Two 12 x 25 areas) Area – 40 x 30 divided into two halves. 15 players with GK’s arranged
with three reds inside each area. Run as many areas as needed (six 4v4 with 2 or 3 target players outside the area. The coach in a 6 v 7. There are two goals at one end with GK’s and two mini goals
players per area) There are three yellow defenders standing at the has all the soccer balls. at the other end for the defending team to pass in to. The defense
tall cone each has a ball. plays a 4-3 formation and the attack play a 3-3. Blues attack both the
1. The first yellow defender plays the ball to any red player and
1. The 4 players cannot come outside their area. large goals.
then presses the ball in a 3v1 scenario.
2. The coach serves in a ball. 1. The coach serves in a ball to the blue team. They attempt to score
2. Reds must make 8 passes or the yellow defender must win the
ball for this part of the exercise to end. 3. The objective of the exercise is for the players in on either of the large goals.
3. The second yellow defender now passes their ball in and plays possession to pass to any of the target players. The ‘back 2. The defending yellow team try to keep it compact by. Forcing play to
3v1. four’ move as a unit to block the passes. one side by using the central line as a guide (as shown)
4. After each round the red team add up their number of passes. 4. If a pass is blocked the game continues. If a pass is made to 3. Once they play is locked to one side, the defenders can now squeeze
5. Play until all three defenders have had a turn (maximum of 24 the target players they pass the ball to the opposite team for closer to overload. The attackers.
passes) After all three yellows have defended, they then switch them to continue. Coaching points:
roles. The red players now become the defenders. Can the red 5. Change target players Stay compact, keep it compact.
team stop the yellow team making more passes? Coaching points: Pressure the player with the ball, cover and balance.
Coaching points: Team-work and communication
Looking at the work ethic and defensive stance of the defender. Outnumber the opponent
Positional sense, angles, balance of the four players. When necessary, switch from zone marking to man marking.
Stay in your defensive zone.
Defending: Stay compact, keep it compact.
1 2 3
Area: - Set up an area 25 x 10 using 6 players. There is a 5 yard Area – 30 x 40 (with three zones) The two outer zones are 15 Area - Set up on half a field. 6v6 + GK. Whites score by dribbling
central zone. yards wide and the central zone is 10 yards wide. through any of the small goals on the halfway line. Blue team attacks
1. Players must stay in their zones. Two in each outer zone and one Two small target goals are at each end. 12 players are shown. the larger goal.
defender in the middle zone. 1. Allow the group to play.
1. Yellow team attack and can go in any zone. 2. Has the group learned from the first two exercises?
2. The server plays in the ball. The two players must try and pass to
2. The defending blue team must have players in two 3. What is your coaching style when defending?
the pair in the opposite end. The pass must be under head height.
touching zones but cannot be in three. 4. I like the ball to be forced inside so we can win the ball and attack
3. Play continues until the central player wins the ball. The server
then plays in another ball. 3. The idea is to lock the ball in these zones and stop the the opposition goal, but sometimes (as shown) the ball can be forced
4. Switch the defender. attack. out wide. This depends on the positioning of the opposition and the
Variation: attacking team.
The server now goes in the middle zone and plays with the Coaching points: 5. Educate your players on this aspect of defending. Teach them
defender. If they win the ball, they then attack the end line from Stay compact, keep it compact. ’Trigger signs’ that can start a press.
where they intercepted the ball from and play 2v2. Make play predictable. Coaching points:
Slide as a unit. Communication. You could give the team a key word that makes the
Coaching points: team press high “Who’s got number 7?” This can set off the high
Pressure the ball, cover and balance.
Defenders reading the game, awareness. press.
Which way to force the ball?
Everyone is in sync to what is happening.
Defending: Reaction for Pressing.
1 2 3
Area – 6 x 15 area with one small goal and three cones. (3 stations Rondo reaction: Set up 60 x 40 with 8 v 4. The coach has all the soccer balls and a
are shown) Area – Three 12 x 12 boxes with 4 players in boxes 1, 2 and 3 with one stopwatch. Each game runs for 90 seconds.
ball in each box. 1. The coach serves in the ball to the blue team.
Each station has 3-4 players. (Blue players) Player B checks to the 1. Two players start at the yellow cones on the end-line as shown. 2. The four yellows work together to win the ball while the blue
ball and receives a pass from player A. Player B passes the ball back
to Player A. 2. The players that are in the 12 x 12 area pass the ball and move in team look to keep possession.
their own area working on their technique. 3. As soon as yellows win the ball, that ball is no longer in play and
1. Player C makes a run into space and Player A passes the ball to C. 3. On the coaches signal, the two players sprint round the far yellow the coach serves in another ball.
cones to box one and enter the 12 x 12 area. 4. The coach counts how many balls are used in the 90 seconds of
2. Player B reacts and attempts to stop Player C from scoring in the 4. They attempt to win the ball while the 4 players play keep away. play.
small goal. Rotate the role of the players. 5. Once they win the ball, they move into box two until they have won 5. After 90 seconds of play, switch to new defenders.
the ball and then into box three. Once they win the ball in box three, Coaching points:
Variation: Once B passes the ball back to A, player A does not make
the pass again. Players B & C turn and see who can sprint through they sprint over the end line. Yellows pressing the play and working together. Forcing the play to
the goal first. (You could run this first) 6. The coach times the players to see how long it takes. tight areas.
Coaching points: Defenders press as a team
Coaching points: Praise the competitive actions. Intelligent pressing. Reactions & Team Communication
work.
You are teaching the brain to react.