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ByCopper Mountain Soccer

Defending Tactics

Coach: Renata Lawson

Club: Copper Mountain Soccer Club

Role: Director of Coaching

Qualification: USSF “C” (United States)

Date: October 3, 2022

Duration: N/A

Age Group: U8–U18

Session Objective

Improve defensive pressure and defensive structure.

Warm-Up: Defensive Containing and Challenging

Description

The attacker dribbles the ball across a 20-yard box while the defender stays between the ball and the end line, focusing on containment rather than stealing the ball.

At the opposite end:

  • Partners face each other with fast feet and the ball between them
  • On the coach’s “go”, players challenge for the ball using an upright tackle

Repeat several times, then switch roles and go the opposite direction.

Progress the challenge by having players win the ball using a pull-back tackle.

Coaching Points

  • Attacker keeps the ball close and moves side to side
  • Defender’s stance is side-on, low, and balanced
  • Defenders angle their body to contain and direct
  • Use fast feet to adjust position
  • Pivot to adjust defensive angle
  • Tackle with a locked ankle and toes pointed up and out

Activity 1: 1v2 Defending

Description

An attacker dribbles toward goal looking to shoot, while two defenders work together to maintain defensive structure.

  • The 1st defender pressures the ball
  • If the 1st defender is beaten, the 2nd defender steps in to pressure or steal
  • The original 1st defender drops to become the covering defender

Play resets if the ball goes out of bounds.

Rotation:

  • Attacker → defending line
  • 1st defender → attacking line
  • 2nd defender → new 1st defender

Coaching Points

  • 1st defender pressures close enough to deny a shot
  • 1st defender angles body to channel the attacker away from goal and toward help
  • 2nd defender provides cover close enough to step in quickly
  • 2nd defender stays far enough away so both defenders aren’t beaten at once
  • Defenders remain side-on, low, and balanced
  • Close gaps quickly but under control

Activity 2: 3v3 Defending (Pressure, Cover, Balance)

Description

Divide players into two teams, each with three lines on their end line. The first three players from each team play each round.

  • A ball is kicked across the field to start play
  • The defending team immediately applies pressure, with cover and balance from teammates
  • Both teams attempt to score

Use proper FIFA rules for restarts.

Rotate players every minute, rotating lines clockwise.

Switch which team starts with the ball after 7–8 minutes.

Coaching Points

  • Constant communication: who is pressuring, who is covering
  • Defenders stay side-on, low, and balanced
  • Proper spacing between 1st and 2nd defenders
  • 1st defender angles the attacker away from goal
  • Close space quickly without over-committing
  • Defensive team stays compact
  • Attacking team must use space and movement to challenge the defense

Activity 3: Scrimmage

Description

Scrimmage with emphasis on:

  • Throw-ins
  • Building out of the back (use the halfway line as the build-out line)

Coaching Points

  • Clear defensive communication
  • Maintain proper pressure and cover
  • Stay side-on, low, and balanced
  • Defenders close gaps together and remain compact
  • Attackers should spread out and play away from pressure

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