IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
THE BACK FOUR: DEFENDING AS A UNIT
How doI progress the session?
Alan Knill BURY FC
Knill began his managerial career at Rotherham United in December 2005 after spells as caretaker manager and youth team coach. After a short spell as assistant manager at Chesterfield he was appointed as Bury’s new boss in February 2008.
Knill enjoyed an extremely successful first full season as manager with the Shakers, guiding the club to fourth place in Coca-Cola League Two. The club would miss out in the play-off semi-final to Shrewsbury Town.
The following season in 2009/10, Knill led Bury to a ninth place finish just missing out on a place in the play-offs.
As a player, Knill made over 500 league career appearances – at Halifax Town, Swansea City, Bury, Cardiff City, Scunthorpe United and Rotherham United. He also represented Wales in a World Cup qualifier against Holland in September 1988.
Progress the session by requiring the team in possession to play one-twos with their target players. Defenders must be aware of the need to track the runner rather than the ball to prevent the one-two being completed.
Finally, remove the halfway line, allowing the defenders to apply greater pressure on the ball carrier. The unit must try to apply pressure higher up the area, placing greater emphasis on the need to communicate.
How would you put this into a game situation?
Two teams – each with a goalkeeper, four defenders, four attackers and two supporting midfielders - play on a pitch two thirds the length of a full size pitch.
When the defenders win the ball, attackers go dead, allowing the defenders to play the ball out to their midfielders or attackers unchallenged.
The two supporting midfielders can only support from behind.
“Defenders must be aware of their angle and distance in relation to their team mates.”
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
Again, the defenders must work as a unit. Now, with the supporting midfielders, they need to deal with ‘the man in the hole’. How and when do they apply pressure on the supporting midfielder?
1 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
To progress, the team in possession tries to play a one-two with its target man. Defenders need to track the player – not the ball – to be successful
2 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Remove the halfway line and allow defenders to press higher, putting pressure on the ball. Now if they can stop the pass they will have the chance to challenge
3 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Can the defenders keep their shape higher up the pitch and win back possession?
Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1 65
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