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Team Defense Drill

Develop coordinated defensive strategies in a small-sided game.

Defending15-16U1811-1213-14Adultgroup8 players minimumstarstarstarstarstar4.1 (15)
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Equipment, Setup & Instructions
Equipment
  • Balls
  • Cones/Markers for playing area
  • Target gates
Setup
  1. Area: 15x15 yard area marked with cones
  2. Goals: One target gate at each end of the playing area
  3. Team Red: 4 red outfield players, 2 positioned centrally in the middle of the area as attackers and 2 positioned near the target gates (one per gate) as target players
  4. Team Blue: 4 blue outfield players positioned outside the gates as defenders, two per gate
  5. Equipment: Cones marking the corners of the 15x15 yard area, plus 2 target gates set up one at each end of the playing area
Instructions
  1. Blue defenders pass the ball to red attackers.
  2. Red attackers try to pass the ball to a target player through one of the gates.
  3. Blue defenders aim to block these passes and win the ball.
  4. If blue wins possession, counterattack through the opposite gate where red target players are.
  5. Upon successful gate pass, switch roles: scoring players stay on, other players switch out.
  6. If the ball leaves play without a score, switch outside players into the middle.
Coaching Points
  • Close down ball carrier quickly and communicate effectively.
  • Maintain concentration and appropriate body shape: low, side-on.
  • Stay light on feet to manage space and make play predictable.
  • Nearest defender should pressurize the ball.
  • Support pressuring defender with good angles and distances.
  • Keep defensive unit compact to control play direction.
  • Focus on identifying and closing passing lanes.
  • Use patience to jockey attacker and force predictable play.
  • Be prepared to pause the game for corrective feedback.
  • Encourage quick counter-attacks on possession turnover.
Variations
Make it harder:
1. Decrease initial setup area to 10x10 yards.
2. Add a neutral player to create an overload for the attackers.
Make it easier:
1. Increase the playing area to 20x20 yards.
2. Allow defenders to use hands to guide attackers’ direction.
3. Limit attackers to two-touch play.
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