IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
BURY FC Alan Knill Overview
At the end of the 2006 season I had lost quite a few defenders and had to recruit a new back four. So at the start of pre-season I had to work with a brand new defensive unit.
This session is one I used then and continue to use now. It is based on the individual knowing his role within the unit. The session is fairly basic, but focuses on the key areas that I believe improve the individual and, ultimately, the unit.
The back four: defending as a unit
THE BACK FOUR: DEFENDING AS A UNIT
SETUP AREA
40 x 20 m, 2 m end zone EQUIPMENT
Cones, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 14
2 teams of 7
What do I get the players to do?
The session begins with the server playing a ball to one of the teams. The team in possession must try to pass the ball to one of the target players on the opposite side of the area.
The defending team must work together to cut off the passing options and prevent the ball reaching the target players.
Teams are not allowed to leave their half of the area.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
To effectively block the passing options the defending team must be in constant communication. This way the unit can easily decide who should pressure the ball and which direction they try to force play.
“This session is based on the individual knowing his role within the unit.”
Individually, defenders must be aware of their angle and distance in relation to their team mates – preventing gaps appearing in the line – and their opponent.
KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
The defenders have to communicate and work to cut off the passing options
1 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
The team in possession tries to get the ball to its target men. Can the defenders stop them?
2
3 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
If a pass is intercepted roles are reversed and the team that lost possession has to stop the forward pass
64 Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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