Nearest defender to pressure

By Michael Beale

This a great session to coach your players in defending as a unit. It means your players will know what to do when they are up against two attackers. It is all about pressure and support.

The aim of the session

The nearest defender in the exercise must pressure the ball quickly to isolate the player in possession. The other two defenders must take up supporting positions marking the second striker, the space the striker may run into and the route to goal.

How to set it up

Use a 50x30 yards area with four cones, four balls and one goal.

How to play it

1. You call a number and that player dribbles into the area to attack with their team mate, who is already in front of him.
   
2. Defenders must react quickly and the nearest one puts pressure on the ball while the remaining defenders provide cover.
3. If the defenders win the ball back, that attack is complete and the dribbling player takes the place of the initial attacker for the next attack.