Defending

Finishing Delay and Show

Coach the approach and set position of the defender

Defending
Tackling
Pressing
Premium

Coach the approach and set position of the defender. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Defending
Tackling
Pressing
Skill Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Finishing

Age

Under 8 to Adults

Duration

16 min

Players

4-16

Area / pitch size

28 x 20 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Mini Goals

Coaching focus

Coach the approach and set position of the defender

Objective

  • -Coach the approach and set position of the defender
  • -Show the attacker into the least dangerous area
  • -Win the ball at the right moment

Setup

  1. 1A defending channel with two mini goals to protect in a 28 x 20 yards area.
  2. 2Set a goal at the end of the area with a keeper or a target zone if no keeper is available.
  3. 3Balls with the attackers, bibs for defenders.

How to play

  1. 1Attacker drives at the defender who must delay and show one way.
  2. 2The defender wins a point for forcing the attacker wide or winning the ball.
  3. 3Swap roles after each duel.
  4. 4Every sequence starts with a pass out and ends with a strike on goal.
  5. 5Goals score one, first-time finishes score two, and rebounds must be followed in.

Coaching points

  • -Close the space quickly, then slow down
  • -Side-on with the low centre of gravity
  • -Patience before the tackle
  • -Head up before the strike — pick the side, then commit

Progressions

  • +Cap the sequence at one touch before the strike
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Remove the keeper and finish into a wide target goal
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Coach can throw in a second ball for an instant rebound finish
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Sprinting straight through the attacker
  • -Standing square and getting spun
  • -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball

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