Defending in Soccer E-Book

Tony Englund

• Herausgeber: Meyer & Meyer Sport
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 258

Beschreibung

The 1990 World Cup in Italy was infamous for generating the lowest-ever goals per game average, and since then, tactical thought has focused heavily and consistently on flexible attacking designed to break down and defeat defending in depth. This book argues that the next tactical revolution belongs to the defending side of the ball, and it features complex, layered defending, blending postures and pressures designed to keep an attacking team off balance throughout the match. There are many quality soccer coaches in the game at every level who feel that defending is more about mentality than tactics, that defending topics do not need to be part of every training session. This book seeks to reestablish balance in tactical planning and in training design by examining every aspect of individual and team defending, making it easy for the coach to incorporate tackling, defending roles, pressing, defending setpieces, and many more topics into team training. With its more than 190 defending drills to train players, it is the complete guide to mastering Defending in Soccer.

Leseprobe

For Professors David Owen Kieft and John Kim Munholland

TONY ENGLUND

DEFENDINGIN SOCCER

THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Meyer & Meyer Sport

British Library of Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Defending in Soccer

Maidenhead: Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd., 2024

9781782555377

All rights reserved, especially the right to copy and distribute, including the translation rights. No part of this work may be reproduced–including by photocopy, microfilm or any other means–processed, stored electronically, copied or distributed in any form whatsoever without the written permission of the publisher.

© 2024 by Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd.

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9781782555377

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The content of this book was carefully researched. All information is supplied without liability. Neither the author nor the publisher will be liable for possible disadvantages, injuries, or damages.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Technical Defending

Defending Footwork:

Line Exercise

Jockey Zig-Zag (1)

Jockey Zig-Zag (2)

Jockey Zig-Zag (3)

Line Jockey

Line Jockey and Tackle

Cones

Priorities (1)-Deny Ball

Priorities (2a)-Deny Turn

Priorities (2b)-Deny Turn

Priorities (3a)-Deny Penetration

Priorities (3b)-Deny Penetration

Priorities (4)-Deny Shot

Separating Opponent From the Ball

Separating Opponent From the Ball in a Live Exercise

Close Down and Recover

Block Tackle

Poke Tackle (1)

Poke Tackle (2)

Slide Tackle

1v1: Knock Out

Knee Tag

Ball Tag

Close Down and Control in a Grid

Dueling: Winning 1v1 Duels

1v1 Continuous

1v1 “Kill Touch”

1v1 “Swimming” to Win the Duel

1v1 Immediate Pressure

1v1 Immediate Pressure With Server

1v1 to a Side Cone Goal

1v1 to Two Side Cone Goals

1v1 Call Start

1v1 Throw-In

1v1 Long Grid With Long Pass

1v1 Chip

1v1 Juggle and Volley

1v1 Back-to-Back

1v1 to a Center Cone/Ball Goal

1v1 2 Cone Ball Goals

1v1 to a Central Stick Goal

1v1 50/50 Ball

1v1 to Small Goals: Speed

1v1 Defender Chase

1v1 Recovery Duels

1v1 Two Grids

1v1 Four Goals

1v1 to Goal

1v1 Continuous to Goal

1v1 Box Duels

1v1 Defending “Flat” Near the Goal

1v1 Bogie Alley

1v1 Corner Duels

1v1 Ladder

1v1 Deny Pass

1v1 Deny Cross

1v1 Defend Crosses Near Goal

1v1 Attacker Facing Away (1)

1v1 Attacker Facing Away (2)

1v1 Attacker Facing Away (3)

1v1 Attacker Facing Away (4)

1v1 Long Gride With Long Pass Service

1v1 Air Duels: Side-by-Side

1v1 Aerial Duels Front and Back (1)

Aerial Duels Front and Back (2)

Aerial Defending: Serves, Throw-Ins, Punts

1v1 Defend Throw-In (1)

1v1 Defend Throw-In (2)

Defending Footwork: Recognize 1v2

1v2 Bumper (1)

1v2 Bumper (2)

1V2 Bumper (3)

1v Unknown

Second Defenders: Cover and Double

Second Defender (1):

Movement and Communication (1)

Movement and Communication (2)

Team Warm-Up (1)

Team Warm-Up (2)

Double-Team (1)

Double-Team (2)

2v2 in a Grid (1)

2v2 in a Gride (2)

2v2 in a Grid—Preventing 1–2 Combinations (A)

2v2 in a Grid—Preventing 1–2 Combinations (B)

Emphasis 4v2 Rondo (1)

Emphasis 4v2 Rondo (2)

Emphasis 4v2 Rondo (3)

Emphasis 4v2 Rondo: High Pressure

2v2+4:

Second Defender Emphasis

Second Defender Interchange

Second Defender Screening Through Pass

Second Defender Preventing Combinations by Attackers

Second Defender (2):

1v2 18-Yard Box (1)

1v2 18-Yard Box (2)

1v2 18-Yard Box, Attacker Facing Away

Emphasis: 2v2 18-Yard Box

Emphasis: 2v2 18-Yard Box—Alternative Defending Approach

Deny Cross (1)

Deny Cross (2)

Double-Team (1)

Double-Team (2)

Double-Team (3)

4v4 Game to Double-Team

5v4 to Corner Goals—Double-Team Emphasis

4v4 in the Area—Double-Team Emphasis

Third Defenders: Group Balance

Third Defender:

8v8 Four-Zone Game (1)

8v8 Four-Zone Game (2)

8v8 Four-Zone Game (3)

8v8 Four-Zone Game (4)

Zone Game (1)

Zone Game (2)

Zone Game (3)

Zone Game (4)

Defending From the Front: Tactical Considerations for Front-Line Players

Forward Defending:

Center Forward (1)

Center Forward (2)

Center Forward (3)

Wingers (1)

Wingers (2)

Two Strikers Defending Wide (1)

Two Strikers Defending Wide (2)

Two Strikers Defending Wide (3)

Two Strikers Defending Centrally (1)

Single-Striker Systems (1)

Single-Striker Systems (2)

Defending From the Midfield: The Importance of Mobility and Flexibility

Defending in the Midfield:

Standard Three-Person Midfield (1)

Standard Three-Person Midfield (2)—Areas of Concern

Standard Three-Person Midfield (3)—Principal Actions

Standard Three-Person Midfield (4)—Against Withdrawn Midfielder

Standard Three-Person Midfield (5)—Against Wide Penetration by Midfielder

Flipped Triangle General Considerations

Four Players, Flat Configuration: Areas of Concern

Four Players, Flat Configuration: Ball Out Wide

Four Players, Flat Configuration: Ball Central

Four Players, Diamond Configuration: Areas of Concern

Four Players, Box Configuration: Areas of Concern

Five Players: Areas of Concern

Defending Along the Back Line: Consistency and Coordination

Modern Back Four in Possession and Transition: Space and Time

Back Four in Defensive Transition Against Faced-Up Attackers in the Middle Third: Drop and Close Seams

Back Four in Defensive Transition: When Should a Player Step Forward to Challenge?

Back Four Defending:

Common Mistakes by Young Defenders

Dealing With Wide Spaces in the Back Third

Back-Line Defending: Three Center Backs

The Goalkeeper’s Role in Team Defending

Back-Pass to Goalkeeper in Support of Back Line

Goalkeeper Clearance on Ball Behind Back Line

Goalkeeper and Defender Dealing With Potential Break-Away

Goalkeeper and Back-Line Defending Crosses

Tactical Group Defending: Pressing and Counter-Pressing

Individual Pressing

Pairs Pressing (1)

Pairs Pressing (2)

4v4 Pressing to Four Goals

4v5 + Goalkeeper Pressing

Spine for Team A

Team A Press Design Basics

Team A Press Basics:

Where to Funnel the Ball

Forcing the Ball to the Touchline

“Safety” Player

Trigger 1

Trigger 2

Trigger 3

1v1 Counter-Press

3v3 Counter-Press

5v5 Counter-Press to End-Line Targets

8v8 Counter-Pressing Game

11v11 Counter-Pressing Training Match

Tactical Group Defending: Delayed High Pressure

11v11 Delayed High Pressure

Team Defending From a Mid Block

Defending From a Low Block

Stronghold Defending—A Tactical Revolution

Standard Team Shape: Defending Kick-Offs

Defending Kick-Offs: High Pressure

Defending Goal Kicks: A Standard Look

Defending Goal Kicks: Tempting the Opponent to Play Short

Defending Punts: Concentration and Depth

Defending Corner Kicks:

“Man” Marking

Zonal Schemes

Zone/Person-Marking Mix

Dealing With Short Plays by the Opponent

Dealing With a Player Screening the Goalkeeper

Defending Free Kicks:

Free Kick From Distance

Slowing the Kick and Setting the Defense (1)

Slowing the Kick and Setting the Defense (2)

Setting the Defense (3)

A Taller Wall? (4)

Adding a “Bullet” (5)

Defending Set Pieces: Efficient, Lively Training

Down a Player

Playing With a Lead (1)

Playing With a Lead (2)

Playing From Behind

Down a Goal

Conclusion

Bibliography and Suggested Reading

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

American First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is credited with uttering the phrase, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” That’s exactly what this project did for me for the entire research and writing period. As a coach, I’m among the guilty who have undertreated the subject of defending in the teams I coach. Without exception, I’d rather coach finishing than low-block defending. I find attacking patterns much more intriguing than how to defend crosses in detail. For most of us, though not all, this is part of the culture of our game. The attacking is the exciting, plannable portion of the game, and the defending is only necessary to get the ball back.

For those reasons, as well as the more global feel that the attacking wizards have run the show in soccer coaching for decades now, it was time to point out that we’re neglecting defending in our game and that a comprehensive response to the attacking innovation is the next logical philosophical step in the thinking about soccer.

This was, indeed, a scary proposition. How do we begin to rectify the imbalance in our coaching between the attack and defense, and from where do we cull the best in defensive coaching? For those answers, in particular, I owe debts of gratitude to mentors, colleagues, and family.

Many thanks, as always, to Liz Evans and Martin Meyer of Meyer & Meyer publishing. Liz, in particular, has been, without fail, patient, supportive, and full of good ideas and guidance throughout the publishing process, and I am indebted to her for her support.

When I first proposed this project and was mulling the implications and directions of the research, Mark Backlund sent me a message that crystallized much of my thinking about why this topic was timely. Mark and I played indoor soccer together 20 and more years ago, and he was a prototypical defender: poised, timely, and crisp in his defending and distribution out of the back. His support, again, confirmed much of my thinking.

Conversations with colleagues, as well as observation of their work on the field, often lead to improvement and expansion of my own thinking, and a number of coaching friends have contributed to varying degrees to my understanding of defending. Nathan Klonecki, Mike Huber, Jake Smothers, Matt Carlson, Joaquin Izquierdo, Phil Walczak, Amanda Maxwell, Marcos Rodriguez, Tim Magnuson, and many other coaches at St. Croix Soccer Club do outstanding work with their young players every day, which has helped frame my understanding of defending. Mark Yueill, a coach and director for the Minnesota Thunder Academy, is an incredible student of the game, whose grasp of the subtleties of coaching and high standards are evident in the play of his teams and also the success of his son, Jackson and his daughter, Maddy.

The late Dick Bate was, without a doubt, the most thoughtful clinician of our game. I have often stated that I could not write fast enough when he talked. I met him in 2011 and, after that, raced to anywhere in the country where he was scheduled to present. Always kind and patient, he spent time with many of us, talking about the nuances of the game and the best ways to teach our players. Through the efforts of his wife and coaching friends, the Dick Bate Football Anthology was published online after his passing as a fundraiser for the Giles’ Trust, which carries out research to help treat brain tumors. The resulting document contains more than 3,000 pages of Coach Bate’s training sessions and writing on a wide range of soccer topics. It is, to me, a teaching course without parallel and a tour de force on defending in particular. Here is the web address for those interested: https://gilestrust.org/blogs/the-dick-bate-football-anthology. I think of Coach Bate every time I go on the field, and his writings and teachings deeply influence my thinking on defensive planning and instruction.

I have been coaching soccer teams for more than 30 years now. Thoughts of the people I have coached are never far from my mind, and I am very thankful for the memories of all the different groups with whom I have worked. I want to recognize the 1998 guys (7th and 6th in the USA), and the 2004 boys (NPL Final Four) in particular.

Professors David Owen Kieft and John Kim Munholland, to whom this book is jointly dedicated, were advisors to my MA thesis on military history. Two charismatic, brilliant role models who showed considerable patience with me. I think of them often and miss talking with them both.

Two mentors in particular have been kind enough to support my coaching and writing efforts. Jeff Tipping, Director of Coaching Education Emeritus for the NSCAA (now USC), has been a consistent source of encouragement for many years, and our occasional conversations about coaching and the world, in general, are invariably heartening. John Pascarella, former head coach at Oklahoma City Energy (USL 1), is one of my favorite people because of his sharp sense of humor and never-ending curiosity and optimism about coaching. We have co-authored two books and any time talking with him is memorable and energizing for me. He read the manuscript for this book and suggested several important changes.

I also want to thank my parents, Tony and Carole Englund, and my wife, Beth, for their support of my coaching and writing over the years.

INTRODUCTION: STRONGHOLD DEFENDING—AN IN-DEPTH FORMULA FOR WINNING THE BALL

“Defending is just effort,” according to many, many soccer coaches at all levels and for decades. It’s tantalizing to think about the balance, or lack thereof, in how the game of soccer is coached between the attacking side and the defending side. Coaching literature, clinics, licensing courses, websites, and YouTube all feature an impressive array of compelling information on subjects ranging from ball striking and moves to beat opponents to sneaky set pieces and all manner of goals. To be sure, there are occasional highlight reels of risky but successful slide tackles and eye-popping goalkeeper saves, and the vogue topic of pressing has been the subject of much analysis in recent years. Still, the attention given to defending topics pales in comparison with that given to attacking.

Pep Guardiola, of FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City coaching fame, and a defensive midfielder in his playing days, is, for me, symbolic of how even the world’s elite coaches tend to obsess with the details of attacking philosophy at the expense of developing an evolving, detailed defending culture. Guardiola famously expected his players at Barcelona to win the ball back within 6 seconds and is credited with having said, “We’re terrible without the ball. We must have the ball.” This desperate approach is a useful motivator (and foreshadowed the coming emphasis on pressing), but the fragility of Guardiola’s teams on the defensive side of the ball in the biggest matches is arguably indicative of the disdain that their head coach felt regarding the importance of a comprehensive defending scheme.

That said, who among us could say that we devote as much energy, thought, and training time to defending topics as we do to the attacking side of the ball? This conundrum is especially disconcerting in light of the fact that most teams spend nearly half of any given match without the ball. To be sure, defending topics for most of us are not as much fun to teach, and the players typically share their coaches’ lack of enthusiasm for lengthy, detailed discussions of how to behave without the ball. Furthermore, this distaste for defending topics has a cumulative effect as the lack of interest and demand for organized planning on the defensive side of the ball is compounded with each succeeding generation of coaches and teams.

The past 30 years have witnessed a series of rules changes, tactical innovations, and rapid evolution improving the attacking side of the game. The back-pass rule change, which prevented goalkeepers from using their hands when receiving a ball played to them from their teammates, became a bookend to an era in the 1980s that featured a lot of layered, physical defending and endless tactical delays by teams wanting to slow or kill the game. Subsequently, the emphasis on technical improvement, attacking design, and throwing increasing numbers forward, as well as more stringent regulation of physical play, have produced an era of flowing, entertaining soccer.

Arguably the most recent revolution in soccer has been the heavy focus on transition moments. Pressing and counterattacking, most notably on display in Jürgen Klopp’s spectacularly successful Liverpool side but in evidence now across the soccer world, might seem to indicate the value of defending, but much pressing (not that practiced at Liverpool!) is, one could argue, an effort to actually avoid developing a detailed defending philosophy. Indeed, this appears to be the Achilles’ heel of the aforementioned Guardiola teams. While the many shades of pressing have been shown to offer an effective first line of defense, much less detailed thought and planning has been put forth by many teams regarding what to do when their pressing does not result in recovery of possession.

This book is an effort to encapsulate all of the best defending practices in modern soccer. From basic defending technique, which is something of a lost art, to complex, layered tactical planning at team level, there is much thought-provoking material here for coaches at any level. There is a blend of instructional photos, diagrams, and exemplary press pictures of the world’s best players included in support of the text. The aim is to provide a comprehensive, accessible “idea” book that coaches can consult to help plan their defensive strategy and sessions and also diagnose and correct issues as the team evolves.

This study will also take the further step of advocating stronghold defending. Merriam-Webster defines a stronghold as, “A place of security or survival.” Bending this idea to a soccer context, stronghold defending will be a reference to building a tiered, comprehensive defending scheme that conditions the team to defend in concert and win the ball anywhere on the field. It’s important to note that each team’s stronghold will look different, depending on the designs of the coach and the abilities and needs of the team. Some teams will emphasize early and heavy pressing, while others will want to put more energy into developing a low block from which to win the ball. However, the overriding message will be that if the team wishes to maximize its ability to defend, it will be necessary to imprint all the concepts introduced in this book and then blend the ideas to create an in-depth, flexible stronghold from which to defend and win the ball.

TECHNICAL DEFENDING

It’s cliché to state that the weakest link in any chain limits the strength of that unit when referring to team defending. As simple as the notion is, it’s also true. Particularly at the higher levels of the game, teams will scout and identify the opponent’s least-able defenders and then try to orient their attacks to expose that player. It is, therefore, critical that, even at the youth levels, coaches work to strengthen individual players’ defending abilities as part of improving teamlevel defending.

Technical defending is a term encompassing all the basic elements required for individual players to defend. Footwork and tackling, as well as defensive heading are the most common elements associated with technical defending. Refining these skills as well as the decision making entailed in using these elements should be a standard ingredient in any defending session.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: LINE EXERCISE

This is a good exercise to highlight the importance of clean, explosive footwork for defenders involving movement forward and back. Players often need to check their approach to the ball or an opponent based on the development of the situation, and it is often necessary to back off quickly without losing defending posture and balance and then be able to push forward again very quickly.

The active player runs to the first cone and does footwork around the cone before proceeding to the second cone, where she repeats the circle footwork. Then she runs to the tall cone and gets set to defend (set her feet, showing the ball to her left). Next, she backs off to the other tall cone before sprinting to the ball at the top of the setup. Finally, the players jog back along the side of the exercise to the start point. The next player starts when the player in front has reached the first tall cone. Players should alternate the direction of their circular footwork with each new trip through the exercise.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: JOCKEY ZIG-ZAG (1)

English coaching legend Dick Bate often quoted long-time Italian national team captain Paolo Maldini as stating, “If I had to tackle, I had already made a mistake.” The point was that Maldini believed that footwork was the key component to defending. Jockeying, which is using short chop steps, to control an attacker is a skill that has to be taught and refined in all field players and particularly back-line players. Jockeying allows the defender to maintain a focus on the ball and sustain a goal-side orientation to the attacker until the defender finds the right moment to tackle.

This introductory exercise creates a low-pressure environment for players to work on jockeying under the observation of the coach. The defender passes the ball to the attacker and then closes down, running forward to meet the attacker. The attacker waits for the defender to arrive and then begins to dribble through the zig-zag cone pattern. The defender cannot tackle but practices jockeying, focusing on the ball, and using chop steps to stay goal side.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: JOCKEY ZIG-ZAG (2)

This diagram shows the progression of the exercise. The attacker has made the first turn, and the defender continues to give ground to maintain a goal-side position. Encourage the attacker to change speeds and even directions within the zig-zag, forcing the defender to adjust. When the pair reach the last cone, they switch lines, and the next pair restarts the exercise.

As defending players become more comfortable and cleaner with their footwork, the coach can progress the exercise by allowing the defenders to tackle near the final cone and/or let the attackers freestyle dribble and permit the defenders to tackle.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: JOCKEY ZIG-ZAG (3)

The final drill in this series highlights the importance of the defender changing her footwork to stay with and ultimately guide the attacker. When the attacker changes direction at the cone, the defender changes her footwork (her lead foot and orientation) to remain open to the attacker’s dribble and to be in a good position to tackle. Defenders must become adept at seamlessly changing their footwork to maintain a good position as the attackers become more adept at changing speed and direction, as well as penetrating.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: LINE JOCKEY

Player A dribbles straight ahead, while player B jockeys, maintaining proper distance and emphasizing clean footwork and focus on the ball. When A nears the far cone, she passes to player C and then moves to jockey player C’s dribble back to her own line. No tackling is allowed at this stage. This is a very good warm-up exercise to help players both get some touches on the ball and also do some defending footwork, perhaps in preparation for a 1v1 exercise.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: LINE JOCKEY AND TACKLE

In this progression of the previous exercise, the defender (B) jockeys and then moves to block tackle the attacker (A). Both players trap the ball between their feet, and then the defender backs off and continues jockeying the attacker’s dribble until the latter passes to player C and the exercise continues.

Once again, this is a great warm-up exercise, adding the opportunity to mix in a block tackle for both active players. The fact that the defender must recover after tackling and continue tracking the attacker is an added positive reinforcement.

Another variation here is to have the defender fake tackle. In this instance, player B would jockey and then take a sharp step forward to disrupt the attacker’s dribble and planning. The defender must understand that faking the tackle when too close to the attacker can result in the attacker getting in behind, so she has to maintain a bit of extra space and then recover quickly.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: CONES

Two players practice closing down at cones, moving with cues from the coach. Each player has six cones, in three colors. Emphasize quality movement over speed, but encourage players to move at speed between shut down moments. Check the movements and final positions of the players as they work. Most players will take a few reps to learn to move cleanly, and then they will tire after about 15 seconds of intensive work.

Commands:

•“Red!”—a color call instructs the player to close down the color in the line the defenders face.

•“Turn!”—leads the defender to turn around and shut down the same color in the other line on their end of the area.

•“Switch!”—the players exchange cone work areas (i.e., the player in the bottom cone group moves to the top group and vice versa).

•“Next!”—means that the players sprint out of the grid and the next defender comes in to the area.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: PRIORITIES (1)—DENY BALL

Defending players should be taught to view every individual defending situation as a set of descending priorities. There are four decisions within this context, and the first preference is to deny the ball. If possible, the defender should always try to intercept a pass to the player they are marking.

In this scenario, player A passes toward his teammate, player B. Player C, the defender, practices stepping in front of player B and intercepts the pass. Player C then passes the ball to the next player in the serving line and play continues. At this stage, players A and B are playing at 50 percent of full effort, ensuring that player C is getting the opportunity to win the ball each time.

Defenders focus on establishing a strong physical position (get a shoulder-ahead) and then controlling the run of the attacker using their arms (make oneself wide) to keep the attacker at bay. A variation here is to have the servers toss balls in the air for the defender to win.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: PRIORITIES (2A)—DENY TURN

If the defending player is unable to win the ball outright, his next priority is to deny the turn. The diagram shows the new, staggered start positions of players B and C, which will allow the attacker (B) to get to the ball first.

In this situation, the defender still has some advantages as the attacker is not particularly dangerous on the ball if he is facing away from the goal.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: PRIORITIES (2B)—DENY TURN

To deny the turn to the attacker, the defender (B), gets “touch-close” to the attacker.

At this stage, once again, players A and B are working to help player C achieve success. Thus, player B does not try to turn, but rather dribbles slowly to either circled area where the simulation ends and the ball is returned to the serving line. Be certain to rotate roles.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: PRIORITIES (3A)—DENY PENETRATION

If the defender cannot deny the ball or the turn to the attacker, his next priority is to deny penetration. In this scenario, the starting position of the defender (C) is moved to a more disadvantageous position, allowing the pass from A to B to create time for B to face up with the goal before the defender (C) arrives.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: PRIORITIES (3B)—DENY PENETRATION

Given that the defender cannot deny the ball or the turn, he closes down and forces the attacker to dribble laterally, pushing him to a sharper angle and staying close enough to interfere with a shot attempt.

Player B, the attacker, again plays with the understanding that he should allow himself to be forced off to either circled area, and then he should return the ball to the serving line. Rotate roles.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: PRIORITIES (4)—DENY SHOT

The final choice for the defender—if he is unable to deny the ball, the turn, or penetrative dribbling to the attacker—is to work to deny the shot. Note that the starting position for the defender (C) has been stretched to put him in a very disadvantageous location. B should be able to check, receive, turn, and dribble toward goal before C can arrive. In this case, the defender gets in between the attacker and the goal and then tries to drive the attacker to a poorer shooting angle while simultaneously getting close enough to block or at least interfere with the attacker’s shot attempt.

As in the previous examples, it is advisable to allow the attacker to increase his effort gradually. In other words, allow the defender to close down and guide the attacker to a poor shooting angle before letting him block a shot attempt, and then encourage the attackers to increase their effort and speed until the exercise is wide open.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: SEPARATING OPPONENT FROM THE BALL

Excellent preparatory footwork may allow the defender to avoid tackling altogether. In this exercise, the attacker must receive the pass from his teammate and take a touch in the direction of the open cone. The attacker, to start, should be fairly passive in their role. The defender observes the attacker’s first touch and then separates him from the ball by being quicker into the space as shown and then using his physical presence in the space to win the ball. Players rotate positions and roles after each repetition.

This action, when possible, is less likely to produce a foul and allows the defender to win the ball cleanly off the attacker’s touch rather than tackling and then running down the loose ball.

The exercise can be progressed to allow the attacker to play harder and to have a free first touch regarding direction. Finally, a grid can be built around the duelers, and they can play to end lines as in many of the proceeding drills. The idea here is to build recognition and skill in the defender to seize the moment when the ball is out of the feet of the attacker.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: SEPARATING OPPONENT FROM THE BALL IN A LIVE EXERCISE

This simple exercise takes the technique described in the previous drill to a live environment. In a relatively small grid (to create more opportunities to confront an attacker), half the players start with a ball. Those players dribble around, and the players without the ball look for the right moment to intervene, stepping between the attacker and the ball, and using their bodies, and within the rules, their arms, to establish a primary position on the ball. The coach should specify that, in this exercise, no tackling is allowed. Rather, defenders must rely on decisive footwork, timing and the use of their bodies to win the ball. For the first minute, instruct players on a ball to allow defenders to come and win the ball from them, then empower the attackers to fight to keep their ball.

Freiburg’s Lucas Höler (right) separates Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou from the ball. (picture alliance/dpa

|

Philipp von Ditfurth)

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: CLOSE DOWN AND RECOVER

Closing down is critical to the success of individual defending. Too slow and shallow, and the attacker maintains her options for too long. Too quick, deep, and out of control, and the attacker may be able to get in behind. The defender must therefore learn to balance speed with control, using longer, quick steps to close the distance along with an angle designed to limit the attacker’s options. As the defender approaches the attacker, she must shorten her steps to be able to make quick adjustments. Posture is also critical here. If the defender gets her weight out beyond her lead foot or is leaning onto the back foot, she will be poorly balanced, again limiting her ability to adjust. During the back pedal phase, maintain focus on the ball in front.

The lead player closes down the three mannequins as shown, each time getting set for 1 second before backpedaling to the center. After closing down and recovering from the third ball, she sprints through the gate at right. Then next player jumps in after the player in front has begun her sprint.

DEFENDING FOOTWORK: BLOCK TACKLE