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Target Zone Dribble

Improve defensive positioning and pressing as a team.

Defending15-1613-14group2 players minimumstarstarstarstarstar4.8 (33)
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Equipment, Setup & Instructions
Equipment
  • Playing area markers
  • One soccer ball
  • Orange cones
  • Yellow cones
Setup
  1. Area: 30x30 yard square playing area
  2. Team Red: 1 red outfield player starts spaced evenly across the playing area
  3. Team Blue: 1 blue outfield player starts spaced evenly across the playing area
  4. Equipment: 4 cones marking the corners of the 30x30 yard square, 2 orange 2x2-yard target zones at the midpoints of two opposite sides, 2 yellow 2x2-yard wrong zones at the midpoints of the remaining two sides, one soccer ball placed at the centre of the area.
Instructions
  1. Teams attempt to score by dribbling into the opposing target area marked with orange cones.
  2. If the defending team forces attackers into wrong zones marked with yellow cones, the defenders earn two points.
  3. Loss of possession occurs if attackers enter the wrong zone.
  4. Rotate roles after a set time or number of points to ensure equal playtime.
Coaching Points
  • Quickly close down the ball carrier.
  • Maintain focus and patience.
  • Make opponents' play predictable.
  • Stay compact as a defensive unit.
  • Win the ball when the opportunity arises.
  • Effective angles and distances in support of the pressing defender.
  • Display balanced and controlled 1v1 defending skills.
  • Collaborative team pressing to regain possession.
  • Force opponents to play outside or across the pitch.
  • Understand and adapt to changes in defensive roles and responsibilities.
Variations
Make it harder:
1. Increase the playing area size to 40x40 yards to add space for attackers.
2. Reduce the number of defenders to create more space for attackers.
Make it easier:
1. Reduce the playing area to 25x25 yards to make it easier for defenders to cover space.
2. Add a neutral player who aids the defending team.
3. Limit touches for attackers to make control more challenging.
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