Small-sided game: Defending early

WHY USE IT

This three-part session works on defending early, being on the front foot to regain possession by being compact, and working within a unit. This small-sided game enables everything developed in the session so far to be put into a game-realistic scenario, to allow for 1v1 defending, as well as defending as a unit. It also provides a number of triggers to press.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players, with a goal at each end. Split it into thirds. This game can be played as a 5v5, a 6v6 or a 7v7.

HOW TO play

Normal game rules apply. However, if players win possession in the final third and score, they are awarded three goals. If they win possession in the middle third and score, they get two goals; and if they do so from their own defensive third, they get one goal.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

• Set individual targets for players as necessary – for example, higher-skilled players, or those you want to encourage to play quicker, can be limited to two touches, while others can be allowed freedom to be creative and take players on.

   

• You can also challenge players to only play forward passes.

   

• For more intensity, you can create a scenario where one of the teams is losing 1-0, so they have to win the ball back as early as possible to score.

COACHING POINTS

• Be aggressive with the press and spot triggers – such as if the ball is played backwards, a pass is under-hit or a player takes a poor touch.

   

• Move in relation to the ball: maintain good distances between the ball and player to remain compact.

   

• Be brave and confident when engaging in 1v1s. Once possession is regained, scan to be able to progress the ball and score quickly.