11-14 Defending

Transition to attack

Suitable for 7+ players

Benefits to football –

1. Transition between attack and defence quickly
2. Communication
3. Finishing

Session set up –

This game is usually played on half a pitch (but depends on number). Have 1 goal with a goalkeeper. This game is attack vs defense. The attacking team is trying to score and the defending team are trying to win the ball, once the defenders have won the ball, they should try to pass and progress the ball past the half way line.
Encourage the defenders to use the goalkeeper in build up play. Tell your defenders to imagine they are all connected by a line of string. This is to encourage defensive shape and to keep a similar offside line.
Encourage your attackers to create patterns of play (e.g. certain players make certaing runs). Encourage attackers to be unpredictable.

Press cover and balance

Suitable for 6+ players

Benefits to football –

1. Understand when to press
2. Work on positioning
3. Practise covering a teammate who is pressing

Session set up –

Set up a 10×8 meter area with 4 attackers and 2 defenders. Place footballs around the edge of the area. Position 2 attackers at each end and the 2 defenders in the middle.
The attacking team starts with the ball, aiming to keep possession by passing to one another. Defenders work together to press the ball carrier, trying to intercept or force mistakes without tackling. Points are earned by intercepting the ball or causing the attackers to lose possession (e.g., kicking it out of play). Rotate players every 30 seconds to a minute. For larger teams, set up multiple areas with other coaches or players managing the games. Repeat the game 2 to 3 times, ensuring players take plenty of breaks.

Adjust the game difficulty to enhance players’ understanding of pressing:
3v3 End Zone Game: Teams aim to get the ball into the opponent’s end zone, with defenders pressing the ball carrier. Having an even amount of players on each team increase pressing opportunities.
5v5 with Goals: Add keepers and goals, requiring defenders to press more actively to prevent shots.
7v7 on a Quarter-Pitch: Increase the area size, add zones where 1 attacker and one defender can enter, and introduce a halfway line and offside rules for realism.

Intercepting in passing play

Suitable for 8+ players

Benefits to football –

1. Intercepting
2. Passing patterns
3. Timing of pressing

Session set up –

Have 2 teams of equal players, 1 team attacks, 1 team defends in a small pitch.
The attacking team must make 6 passes to win a point (multiple 1 2s don’t count between the same players). The defending team must intercept the ball to get the ball and cannot tackle the team in possession. After a few rounds switch up the roles. Encourage the defenders to press in pairs or trios. Encourage players to work together to cut passing lanes.