Exercise Objectives: This practice is designed to improve each player’s one on one defending skills.
Field Preparation Area 10 x 20 yards Small Groups 1 Ball Cones or Flag poles
Coaching Pointers:
A player is positioned at each corner of a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. Small goals are made using cones which are placed approximately 1 yard apart. The players alternate in pairs playing one versus one across the grid.
The practice should be performed with high intensity.
The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:
Gain as much ground as possible to close down the attacker.
Slow down on the last 2 yards. Get low with knees bent.
Adopt a “side on” position.
Keep goal side of the ball, in between the player and the goal.
Make the direction of the play predictable.
Timing of the tackle is important, wait for the forward to make their move.
Quality tackling is as much an attitude as it is technique.
Players must develop an aggressive and savvy attitude towards winning the ball.
