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Defensive Block
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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:

  • To encourage teamwork.

  • Improve communication, angles of support, and reactions.

  • This exercise instills togetherness. It gives players the belief, that working as a unit can be difficult for the opposition.

  • 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

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