1st Defender

1st Defender

By: Jason Pendleton

Provided By The National Soccer Coaches Association of America - NSCAA

Coaching Method - Tactical Progressive

Warm-Up Exercise

Organization / Instructions

In pairs players will pass and move. On coach's command player with ball (#1) will pass and close down the player with the ball (#2).

Defender will emphasize quickly putting pressure on the ball.
Angle of pressure (bent like a banana).
Side on stance with low center of gravity.

Part 2 of warm up: player #1 will play ball through #2's legs. Both players will pursue the ball. Player #1 will pressure attacking player and not let him turn.

Main Theme Exercise 1

Organization

1 v 1 battles. Player #1 plays to #2 who will attempt to beat #1 off the dribble and score in mini goal. #3 and #4 go immediately after.

Part 2: #2 comes out to the middle and receives a ball from his teammate and attempts to turn and go to goal. #1 defends from behind.

Coaching Points

Look to pressure instantly. Side on approach to force attacker away from goal.

Main Theme Exercise 2

Organization

5 v 5 to end zones. Players score by dribbling ball into space. Coach is in control of the balls and restarts every play.

Progress to scoring via a dribble or pass into end zone.

Space 40 x 30

Coaching Points

Immediate pressure to deny penetration. Make play predictable and use the boundaries to help limit attacking opportunities

Main Theme Exercise 3

Organization

5 v 5 to Futsal size goals. (55 x 44 space)

Player must be in attacking 1/3rd to score. This will encourage them to look to penetrate off the pass and dribble.

Players must take a minimum of three touches to ensure 1st defender has opportunity to close down.

Coaching Points

Immediate pressure when possible to deny penetration off dribble, pass or shot.
Emphasize proper speed and angle of pressure to force attacker away from goal or teammate.
Communication from teammates to help with direction.

Diagram Team Shape - Provide Field Dimensions