Defensive Block
Exercise Description:
Area – 20 x 15 (Two 10 x 15 areas)
3v3 with 1 or 2 target players outside the area. The coach has all the soccer balls.
1. The 3 players must stay in their 10x15 zone.
2. The coach serves in a ball.
3. The objective of the exercise is for the players in possession to pass to any of the target players. The ‘back three’ move as a unit to block the passes.
4. If a pass is blocked, the game continues. If a pass is made to the target players, they pass the ball to the opposite team for them to continue. Keep the score.
5. Change target players with defenders.
Coaching points:
Team-work and communication
Positional sense, angles, and the balance of the three players.
Intended outcome:
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To encourage teamwork.
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Improve communication, angles of support, and reactions.
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This exercise instills togetherness. It gives players the belief, that working as a unit can be difficult for the opposition.
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Improve the reactions in the transition, A>D, D>A.
Variations:
Play 3v1 in each zone. This is a lot harder to find the target player, keep the ball and beat the defensive block.
Possible Performance Problems:
On the transition. If the defending team wins the ball, the opponent is out of balance. They must react quickly and set a defensive block.
Players treat it as a possession exercise. Encourage them to keep trying to find the target. Remember, you are working on the defenders.
Be ready to focus - Make decisions
Keep scanning the area and visualize playing in a game.
Accept mistakes - Find solutions
Coach your teammates
Communicate
Applaud good play
Reactions
Be willing to move
Work at game speed
Keep working and believing
Move as a unit
Body shape - Defensive stance
Angles and distance
Target players, look for gaps