Tools, Tips & Techniques
31 March 2010 issue 153
Under 4s - Under 16s
Keep in shape to defend with style Marking out ball positions helps you coach your players to cover each other so they keep a compact defensive shape in matches, says David Clarke
Patterns to defend the ball 1
4
ONE!
Making patterns of play One question I am always being asked is: “How do I get my young players to understand positions and movement around them?” You can do this by putting numbered poles or markers into the general areas of the pitch your players will have to deal with. Call out a number and have your players move into the correct positions to retain a compact defence. In the diagram (right) you can see how to cover position 1 and position 2, follow the same patterns with your players on the other side of the pitch at positions 3 and 4. Once you have done it a few times play a small-sided game to help them focus on movement.
A small-sided game puts it in match situations l I have used teams of 4 players, but you can play with less, or if you have an extra player put them in the middle. l Use an area 60 x 30 yards split in to three 20 yard zones. l The teams in the outer zones have a maximum of four passes before they have to pass to the opposite end zone. l One player from the middle zone can go into the end zone to challenge for the ball when the ball is in that zone. l The other players cover the area left by the player challenging for the ball so there is no space for the pass through the middle. l The middle team scores by successfully intercepting a pass or winning the ball in the end zone. If the end zones pass to each other successfully it is a point to them. l The ball cannot go above head height. l Play first to five then switch the teams around.
“Defending is all about movement off the ball” Paolo Maldini, defender, AC Milan and Italy
2
ATTACK
3
The attacking team has moved the ball down the wing to attack with a cross. The defenders move to cover. 1
4
TWO!
3
2
ATTACK
The attacking team has moved into the opposition half and the defending team must cover the options.
One player from the middle zone goes to win the ball while the other players in that zone prevent passes. player movement