Using the wings in defence

By David Clarke

When your defenders win the ball deep in their own half, what do they do with it? I often see a big kick up the pitch, which gives the ball straight back to the opposition.

However, if you show your defenders a better route away from goal without resorting to the punt, they will be able to keep possession and launch a counter attack.

The way I coach my players to do this is to use this exercise, which encourages defenders to move the ball out to the wings and score points.

How to set it up

Mark out the area as shown in the picture with three attackers versus four defenders and a goalkeeper.

You also need two small, unguarded goals on the sides of the pitch using poles or cones, about 25 yards from the goal line.

Coach your defenders in this exercise and let the attackers work alone.

How to play it

• Defenders are forced to move the ball wide from wherever they win it because they have to score in one of the pole or cone goals on either side.
• Attackers need to score in the main goal by combining with each other to beat the defenders and keeper.
• Attackers start with the ball.
• If the attackers score, they stay on the pitch.
• If the defenders score, the attacking team is replaced by a new attacking team.
• Defenders play for the duration of the game.
• The game restarts with the attacking team each time – there are no goal kicks, throw-ins or corners.