Defensive Recovery Runs

Objective

• -Recover goal-side at speed
• -Delay the attacker until help arrives
• -Build defensive resilience after losing the ball

Setup

1. 1Goal with keeper at one end.
2. 2Attacker starts on halfway with a ball, defender five yards behind.
3. 3Cone marking the recovery line the defender must reach.

How to play

1. 1Coach releases the attacker, defender sprints to get goal-side.
2. 2Once level, the defender slows to a jockey and forces wide.
3. 3Six reps each with a full rest between.

Progressions

• +Add a second attacker
• +Reduce the head start

Regressions

• -Bigger head start for the defender
• -Attacker at 70% pace

Variations

• -Add a recovering team-mate for a 2v2
• -Score points for forcing the ball wide

Common mistakes

• -Recovering ball side rather than goal side
• -Diving in as soon as you catch up
• -Giving up on the run