Individual Defending - Progressing to various exercises
using four defenders

Warm-Up
Organize the players in pairs with each pair in a
20 x 10-yard grid. Player A passes the ball to player B. When player B receives the ball he attempts to dribble past the end-line defended by player A. The players take turns in being the defender.

Coaching Points
• Close the space quickly and don’t let the player with the ball build up speed
• Pass the ball firmly making it difficult for your partner to control the ball
• Pass the ball slowly allowing more time for the defender to close the space down
• Don’t dive in
• Force the player with the ball to do what you want him to do - force him to his weaker foot, force him to the side-line, etc.

	Progression Increase the area to 20 x 20-yards and play 2 v 2. Coaching Points • Use the second defender as cover • Direct the player with the ball to the second defender • Force them to pass backwards or turn

	Progression Increase the area to 40 x 20-yards and play 4 v 4. Coaching Points • Don’t follow the ball - know where the ball is and track your player • Start to build an understanding with the four defenders

	Half Field Practice The back four defenders start about 25 yards from their goal. On the half-line are groups of four attackers numbered one through four. The coach shouts a number and that player advances on goal with the ball, along with the other three attackers in his group. This gives the defenders practice in defending with the ball at different parts of the field.
Coaching Points • As in the warm-up drills • It is important that the defenders provide cover instead of marking a player that is not in a threatening position • Communicate
	Half Field Practice It is important that the four defenders don’t get caught flat. This allows the space behind them to be exploited by “through passes” from the attackers. In this example the defenders seem more concerned with marking their players than providing cover for the defender who is pressuring the ball.

	Half Field Practice In the example the defenders are in the correct position. They are in a slightly staggered line with the defender furthest from the ball being the furthest back. This makes it harder for the forwards to attack the space behind the defenders and easier for the defenders to cover any “through passes” that are attempted by the attackers.

	Half Field Practice Add two midfielders to the defending team and add players to the attacking team to consist of three defenders, four midfielders and two forwards in a 3-4-2 formation. This exercise can be used to help the players become familiar with their responsibilities and each other.

	Half Field Practice The back four defenders start on the half-line with two forwards. Three midfielders start on the goal-line and pass the ball into the two forwards and then join them quickly to make a 5 v 4 situation. Once the attack ends with a shot or loss of possession, the three midfielders waiting on the other goal-line pass a ball in to their two forwards who have been waiting in the other half with four other defenders.
Coaching Points • All previous coaching points • Allow the forwards to receive the ball, without pressure to start with, then as the drill progresses have the defenders mark tight