Defending
2v2 Defending Units
Defend as a pair with pressure and cover
Defend as a pair with pressure and cover. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.
Back to drill libraryAge
Under 5 to Adults
Duration
18 min
Players
8-16
Area / pitch size
25 x 20 yards
Difficulty
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Equipment
Balls, Bibs, Cones, Mini Goals
Coaching focus
Defend as a pair with pressure and cover
Build a full 60-minute session around this drill
Warm-up to match, ready to print. Free — no card needed.
Drill diagram
Two attackers face two defenders on a 25 x 20 pitch, with a mini goal at each end and waiting pairs behind the goals.
- 1.Coach serves to the attackers, who try to score at the top goal.
- 2.Nearest defender presses the ball carrier.
- 3.Second defender covers the other attacker and the space behind the press. Winning the ball and scoring at the opposite goal counts double; rotate every 90 seconds.
Objective
- -Defend as a pair with pressure and cover
- -Communicate roles clearly
- -Win the ball and counter quickly
Setup
- 1Small pitch with a mini goal at each end.
- 2Two attackers versus two defenders, spare balls with the coach.
- 3Waiting pairs behind each goal.
How to play
- 1Coach serves to the attackers who try to score.
- 2Defenders press the ball and cover the second attacker.
- 3Winning the ball and scoring counts double; rotate every 90 seconds.
Coaching points
- -One presses, one covers on a diagonal
- -Talk: 'press', 'I've got cover'
- -Squeeze together to deny the through ball
- -Recover goal-side quickly after the ball moves
Progressions
- +3v2 overload for attackers
- +Add a halfway restriction line
Regressions
- -2v1 in favour of defenders
- -Attackers limited to three touches
Variations
- -Add wide target players
- -Counter into a full goal with keeper
Common mistakes
- -Both defenders pressing the ball
- -Cover defender too flat
- -No communication
Related Football Drills & Sessions
- More football defending drills
- More football team shape drills
- More football pressing drills
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- Football drills for U7s
- Football drills for U8s
- Football drills for U9s
- Football drills for U10s
- Football drills for U11s
- Football drills for U12s
- Football drills for U13s
- Football drills for U14s
- Football drills for U15s
- Football drills for U16s
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