Defending
Individual defending technique, pressing as a unit and winning the ball back quickly
⏳ 60 minutes · 5 activities
1
Shadow Defending
Pairs warm-up where defenders shadow the attacker without tackling - build defensive footwork.
Setup
- 25x20 yard grid split into two halves
- Pairs: one attacker with a ball, one defender
- Attackers try to dribble to the far line, defenders shadow without tackling
How to Play
- Defender stays 1-2 yards from the attacker, mirroring movement
- No tackling allowed in this phase - focus purely on footwork and body shape
- Attacker can change pace and direction freely
Rules
- Progress: allow defenders to win the ball after 60 seconds of shadowing
- Swap roles every two minutes
1
Stay on your toes - flat feet means you're too slow to react2
Show the attacker inside toward your teammates, not outside toward open space3
Watch the ball, not the attacker's eyes or shoulders - they'll fake with their body2
1v1 Defending Channels
Isolated 1v1 defending in channels - develop the moment of engagement and the tackle.
Setup
- Four 6x18 yard channels, one pair per channel
- Attacker starts at one end with the ball, defender starts at the other
- Small goal (two cones) at each end
How to Play
- Attacker tries to score by dribbling through the defender's goal
- Defender closes down, jockeys, and tries to win the ball or force the attacker out of the channel
- Swap roles after each attempt
Progressions
- Progress 1: defender must win the ball cleanly - no slide tackling
- Progress 2: add a second attacker to create a 2v1, defender must delay
1
Get within 1-2 yards before slowing down - sprint to close, then jockey2
Stay on your feet - a defender on the ground is out of the game3
Win the ball, don't just block it - you need to come away with possession3
Counter-Press Game
Transition game that rewards winning the ball back within 5 seconds of losing it.
Setup
- 40x30 yard pitch with two full-size goals and goalkeepers
- 5v5 outfield plus GKs
- Coach on the side with spare balls to keep the game flowing
How to Play
- Standard game with one key rule: if you lose the ball, your team must press immediately
- Coach or team counts aloud: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - if you win it back before 5, your team gets a bonus point
- Normal goals count normally
Key Focus
- Progress: narrow the pitch to create more 1v1 situations and pressure moments
- Award double points for a goal scored directly from winning the ball high
1
The first defender must press the ball immediately - no waiting2
Second defender cuts off the easiest pass, not the person with the ball3
When you win it back, play forward fast before the opposition can reorganise4
Free Play
Open game - watch defensive shape and reactions.
Setup
- Full pitch, standard goals with goalkeepers
- Even teams
- Coach steps back
How to Play
- Standard football rules
- No restrictions
Coach role: Watch for moments when your team presses together versus letting the opposition play out. Don't interrupt - note what you see for the review.
5
Stretch & Review
Stretches and a review focused on defensive decisions.
Stretches
- Players in a circle, sitting on the ground
- Groin stretch, hamstring stretch, shoulder rolls - 30 seconds each
Q1. What's the difference between pressing and just chasing - can someone explain it?
Q2. Name a moment where our defending as a team worked well today.
Q3. What's the hardest part of defending 1v1, and how did you deal with it today?