Defending Outnumbered

  COACHING POINTS
  • Close off the space available to the attackers as best as possible.
  • Slow the attackers progress down (in a game you will then have cover to help).
  • Be decisive in your actions, if you are going to try and win the ball then commit, if you are going to stand off and jockey then be patient.
  • Always try and direct the attackers away from the danger area (the goals).
 SESSION
  1. 25×15 yard area. Defender begins in the end zone with two goals.
  2. Two sets of attackers start opposite each goal.
  3. A blue player dribbles into the area and is joined by a red to make it a 2v1 overload for the attackers.
  4. The attackers can only score once they have crossed the line into the end zone. The defender must try to stop the attackers entering this end zone. If they win the ball they can clear it out of the area.
 PROGRESSIONS
  • Add a defender and an attacker in to make it a 3v2.
  • Time limit for the attackers.
COACHING POINTS
  • Close off the space available to the attackers as best as possible.
  • Slow the attackers progress down – especially in the 3v2 half (in a game you will then have cover to help).
  • Be decisive in your actions, if you are going to try and win the ball then commit, if you are going to stand off and jockey then be patient.
  • Always try and direct the attackers away from the danger area (the goals).
  • Communication in the 3v2 half, decide your roles quickly.
SESSION

  1. 40×25 yard area. Directional game. The ball can only cross the halfway line with a pass. The only player who can cross the halfway is the floater.

  2. 3v3 however the teams set up in a 2v2 one half of the pitch and a 1v1 in the other half. 
  3. The floater joins the half where the ball is to make it either a 3v2 or 2v1 overload.
PROGRESSIONS
  • If the defender wins the ball they can dribble into the opposite half to create an even bigger overload.
COACHING POINTS
  • Close off the space available to the attackers as best as possible.
  • Slow the attackers progress down.
  • Be decisive in your actions, if you are going to try and win the ball then commit, if you are going to stand off and jockey then be patient.
  • Always try and direct the attackers away from the danger area (the goals).
  • Communication between the defenders and also with the goalkeeper.
  • If you win the ball, counter quickly and effectively but don’t leave yourselves exposed.
 SESSION

  1. 50×35 yard area. One larger goal guarded by a goalkeeper. Two smaller goals on the halfway line which the attackers defend.

  2. Two defenders line up on the goal line. Three attackers begin on the halfway line with a ball.

  3. One of the attackers plays the ball into the defenders who play the ball back.
  4. The game then commences in a 3v2 overload for the attackers. The defenders must try to win the ball and score in the two smaller goals. The attackers must try to beat the GK.
PROGRESSIONS

  • Increase/vary the numbers to a 4v3, 5v3, 6v4 etc.