Defensive Block - Game related
Exercise Description:
Area – 34X25 with two 12x25 yard end zones and a 10x25 yard center zone. Suitable for 12, 15, or 18 players split into 3 teams. Two teams are in each end zone and a defending team in the middle zone.
1. The coach plays the ball to the blue team.
2. Two defending yellows enter the area. The blue team keeps possession and attempts to pass the ball to the opposite red team. They can pass across after 4 or more passes.
3. The defending yellow team makes play predictable. The two players inside the end zone press the ball while the other three cover, balance, and block passing lanes. They move into one half of the middle zone and work as a defensive unit behind the ball.
4. The ball cannot go above head height.
5. The team that loses the ball becomes the defender.
Variation: Switch defenders
Coaching points:
Team-work and communication
Positional sense, angles, and the balance of the three players in the middle zone.
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.
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Decision-making is needed.
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Possession team, go through, around or over?
Variations:
You can now pass the ball over head height and there is no limit to the number of passes.
Possible Performance Problems:
The middle three forget to move into half of the middle zone.
The possession team tries to force the ball to the next group.
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