Exercise Objectives: This practice is designed to improve each player’s defensive technique by high pressurizing their opponents.
Field Preparation Corner of Field Cones or Flag poles Supply of Balls Colored Bibs
Coaching Pointers:
Make a grid extending from the goal area as shown in the diagram above. Divide the players into 2 groups, 1 group of defenders and 1 group of attackers. Identify groups by using colored bibs.The defenders (yellow) are divided into
2 groups and are positioned diagonally opposite each other. The attackers (red) are divided into pairs and are positioned at the corner of the grid.
The play starts with one of the 2 attackers playing a diagonal ball towards the opposite corner flag. The attackers cannot move until the defender touches the ball. As soon as the yellow defenders have the ball they must attempt to get to the end of the grid with possession of the ball. If they do, they score 3 points.
The primary objective of the practice is for the 2 attackers to go full out and try to win the ball inside the grid.
If the attackers win the ball they get 3 points.
If they force the ball out over the end line they get 2 points.
If they force a "throw" in they get 1 point.
The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:
Close the ball down as quickly as possible.
When defending, bend the knees and keep the body low. (don't stand tall, stand small). This position
enables the legs to be "spring loaded" to change direction quickly.
Leg position should be with one leg behind the other.
Pivot using the back foot when changing direction from side to side.
Keep the upper torso forward, this is crucial for changing direction from a backwards to forwards position quickly.
Squeeze the defenders against the end-line or side-line. This will reduce the amount of space they have to play in and minimize the time they have on the ball.
