TOPIC / THEME: Defending In the Game

Marking, covering and Balance in defence

DESCRIPTION OF PRACTICE:
Coaching in the game session based on 11v11
ORGANISATION 1 Retreating to the middle third
11v11 Start position	11v11 on a full size pitch. Start position : Reds are spread creating width and depth and the GK has possession. Ball must be delivered to a back four player, but ensure the two blue strikers are realistically defending.(1/2 &1/2) as shown. Work from front to back and ensure deliveries are made to both sides(left and right) Define game control and management techniques

KEY OBSERVATION FACTORS:

Apply pressure on the ball (Direction, angle and speed of approach) Support the pressing player.( Angles and distances) Mark players ( body position, distance to player , ball & goal) Mark space ( critical space, distance from opponents, proximity to ball and goal) Recovery ( lines, distances, speed)

NOTES:

This session `bolts' together the key factors as seen in Technical practice, small sided games, functions and Phases. This is the purpose of 11v11 it is the full `Dress Rehearsal' based on a `big picture theme'. The coach works backwards through the thirds of the pitch. Remember the picture is not always perfect. Defenses can be breached which is why we learn to Cover and balance, we can then deal with the breach.

11 v11 continuation sheet

ORGANISATION 1 Pressure on the ball - marking - covering

Do this left and right to rehearse both sides. Keeper is out on edge of box to `sweep' behind the defense.

Here you can see that one of the withdrawn strikers has quickly put the player in possession under pressure and is preventing forward play because of his angle and speed of approach. The nearest midfield player is supporting him as well as marking his wide opponent from a short distance. The left full back has dropped off his opponent because the space down the left flank is more critical. The back four have pinched across to get goal and ball side of opponents and to cover each other. Marking is less tight farthest away from the ball.

ORGANISATION 1 Pressure on the ball - marking - covering

Do this left and right to rehearse both sides. Keeper is out on edge of box to `sweep' behind the defence.

Here you can see that the red centre back has played the ball into a striker who has come short, despite the pressure. The good marking and covering triggers a `pincer' movement where the striker is prevented from turning and the whole team gets compact. You can see the recovery lines. Notice how the second striker is moving in preparation for the transition. If his team wins back the ball now he is in a great position for the turnover. He must read this situation and be ready. He cannot affect the defending at this stage. He must not run offside.

Practical Coaching

Session Planner

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