Author: Greg Maas National Youth Certificate Course
Topic: Defending
Lesson Plan Age: U12
Organization Variations Diagram Coaching Points
Unrestricted
In pairs, one ball 1 v 1 defending with players going Pressure responsibilities
between two. directly at each other (fundamentals). Proper body position and
 Shadow exercises 1 v 1 defending with players facing shape
X.
working on proper each other and the ball being played Speed and angle of
defending position and away at an angle (angle of approach). approach
body shape. Alternate 1 v 1 defending facing one another with Quick reactions and
O
the attacker and the defender playing the ball through closing space accordingly
defender throughout. the attacker s legs (close space). Patience  don t over
Stretch. commit
Author: Greg Maas National Youth Certificate Course
Topic: Defending
Lesson Plan Age: U12
Restricted
1 v 1, 1 v 2 and 2 v 2 1 v 1 line soccer with players feeding Pressure and cover
20 yds.
defending exercises in the ball. Play is continuous until responsibilities
X.
channels (10 x 20 area someone scores or the ball goes out of Close down space
or as needed). bounds. Repeat. quickly and under control
O
1 v 2 defending in [wider] channel (15 Select a proper angle of
x 20) with small goals at each end or approach and cover
corners. Play is continuous until Decision when to get
10 yds.
someone scores or the ball goes out of tight or to simply
bounds. Repeat.  shadow the attacker
2 v 2 (same as second variation). Communication between
20 yds.
X.
defenders
O
O
15 yds.
Author: Greg Maas National Youth Certificate Course
Topic: Defending
Lesson Plan Age: U12
Counter Goals and/or Lines
3 v 3 + 1 directional Line soccer or add 2-3 small goals on Pressure, cover and
X
game (30 x 40 area or touchline or corners to score. balance responsibilities
X
as needed). Neutral Option to play this exercise rotating the Visual and verbal
40 yds.
player plays for team in length or width to change the demand communication between
possession. on the defending group. players
X . N
Proper defensive shape
O
and balance with
O
movement of the ball
O
Visual cues from the
attacking team
Zonal defending
30 yds.
Two Goals
7 v 7 with goalkeepers Possible Formation 2:3:2. Immediate pressure to
to two large goals (50 x No restrictions. the ball at all times
70 or as needed). Defending shape and
70 yds.
8 v 8
balance with movement
The GAME
of the ball
Compactness of the field
(limit attacking space and
options)
Zonal defending
Counter attack
50 yds.
Author: Greg Maas National Youth Certificate Course
Topic: Defending
Lesson Plan Age: U12
Cool Down
Players jog (dynamic Focus on major muscle groups. Reduce Heart Rate
movements). Stretch. Static Stretching
Review Session