Olympic Development Program - District Select
Small Group Defending
Technical Warmup 10 mins Organization Coaching Points/Guiding Questions
X X y Free space, Groups of 3 w/ 1 ball y Communication (pressure/cover)
O y Pass and move within group y Speed and angle of approach
.O y On coach’s call, play 1v2 y Defensive stance/balance
y Dribbler tries to split defenders y Angle and distance cover
O .X y After 1v2 battle return to pass and move How can the coverer help the pressurer?
Dynamic Movement 5 mins • Backward shuffle at angles • Stay low (bent knees) and balanced
including defensive footwork • Drop step (pivot to change direction) • Quick feet to rotate hips quickly
• Crossover step (turn hips to accelerate) Can you put shuffle, drop step, and crossover
together in rapid sequence? Why?
Warmup Game 10 mins • 15x10; 4v2 possession in teams of 2 • Establish pressure/cover - communication
X. X • Team that loses possession defends on the fly • Switching roles quickly as ball moves
O O • Teams start with 5 points and lose a point on • Instant transition to defense and attack
Z Z
each successful split pass. How do you prevent the split pass?
Small Sided Activity y Communication (“Ball,” “Push L/R”)
y 20 x25; 3v3 four-goal game y Speed and angle of pressure
y Score in 2, defend 2 y Angle and distance of cover
X X.
y Balance to protect weakside goal
O X
O O How can we make the attack more predictable?
Expanded Small Sided Activity y Communication (“Step, Drop, Slide”)
y 50x40 y Technique of pressing
O O y 6v4+GK to big goal w/ counter target/goals y Angle and distance of cover
X y When defending team wins ball target enters y Recognize cues to win ball – e.g. poor touch,
X O. X O GK field to help attack counter goals weak pass, ball in air, # advantage
O X
O X
y Look to counter to target quickly and support
Why should we stay compact/squeeze together?
Game y Communication, starting with GK
O
y 50x40 y Staying connected – def. team shape
X y 6v6 to big goals y Patience/pressing considerations
GK O. X OX GK y Transition, incl. dead ball restarts
X X When and why should we step and pressure or
O O
when should we drop and squeeze?
Cool Down: Easy movement and stretch What did we learn today?
© 2011-2012 Minnesota Youth Soccer Association