Defending – Pressure, Cover, Balance
This is a high intensity fast paced drill that continually switches from Top to Bottom to Left to Right.
3 Teams of 3 playing into 8 mini goals or 4 small goals ( 5v5 / 7v7 size )
Every time a goal is scored the game changes to move the other way as the new team enters.
If no goal is scored after a set time period ( 90 seconds / 2 minutes ) then the team with the most goal attempts stays on.
Defending – Pressure, Cover, Balance – How it Works
Mark out a large pitch inside one half of the pitch size you play on. Each side needs to have 2 x mini goals or cones.
Blue teams starts off against Yellows playing up & down the pitch.
As soon as a goal is scored, the Red team enter play immediately with a new ball and the winning team switches to defending the goal from the left playing across the pitch.
The constant changing, and going from being on the attack and scoring to immediately defending requires organisation from within the team.
Communication once again is vital as the break occurs.
For the attacking team coming on, it’s a great chance to show awareness of the game situation and look for space during the transition and get straight in at goal.
If it looks like the Blue team are about to Score going up the pitch, the Red team could set themselves up at the bottom to break down the left side when play starts.
Defending – Pressure, Cover, Balance – Scale it up
| 1: Shrink the pitch to make it more technical. The tighter space means players will have to play short sharp passes to create a chance |
| 2: Add a minimum number of passes before a shot is allowed. Stops a flying counter attack, but encourages a more controlled approach |
| 3: Add a fourth player to each team. More passing options, but less room so more and better movement required. |
Defending – Pressure, Cover, Balance – Coaching Points
Communication is key, as well as tactial and spacial awareness.
Quick decisive attacks and speedy defensive responses needed.
Defending – Pressure, Cover, Balance – Summary
Not only can this be a very good technical drill that works on so many aspects of the players game, it can be a real lung buster too, especially if a team stays on for a while and is constantly switching.
Much like Small Sided Games, controls can be added to make the game more interesting.
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