7-10 Defending

Intercepting and breaking to score in handball

Suitable for 6+ players

Benefits to football –

1. Learning to intercept
2. Attack vs Defense
3. Communication

Session set up –

Use a rectangular pitch with 2 goals at each end. The size of the pitch depends on the number of players you have. The game is handball, the aim is to score more goals than your opponents. However, players cannot dribble the ball or run with the ball. The only way players can progress the ball up the pitch is through passing. Once a player catches the ball from a pass they cannot move with the ball. Once the player has the ball allow them 5 seconds to pass the ball. As well as this, the other team can only win the ball by an interception and cannot tackle/take the ball away from a player who has caught the ball.
Encourage players to move a lot around the player with the ball thus providing the player with multiple options. Encourage defenders to try predicting the next pass. You can progress the game by forcing 5 passes before the players can score a goal.

3v3 Attack vs Defense

Suitable for 7+ players

Benefits to football –

1. Communication
2. Finishing
3. Defending in numbers

Session set up –

This game is a 3v3 attack vs defense. Use half a pitch with 1 goal and a goalkeeper. Have the 3 defenders start a few metres in front of the goal and have the attackers on the halfway line. Have 1 of the attackers start with a ball and start running and once the attackers start running at the defenders the defenders can move upwards towards the attackers. The attackers are trying to score, and the defenders are trying to take the ball away from the attackers. If the defenders win the ball they must kick it away out of the pitch for the play to stop.
Encourage the attackers to switch up their runs and try being unpredictable to outsmart the defense. Encourage the wide players to keep their width to stretch the defense and move them out of position.