Defending

Rotation Delay and Show

Coach the approach and set position of the defender

Defending
Tackling
Pressing

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
Rotation

Age

Under 8 to Adults

Duration

16 min

Players

4-16

Area / pitch size

24 x 16 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 24 x 16 yards area.
  2. 2Number every station so players know exactly where they travel to next.
  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. 4Play starts at station one and the ball works round the numbers in order.
  5. 5Every player must complete each role once before the round is scored.

Coaching points

  • -Close the space quickly, then slow down
  • -Side-on with the low centre of gravity
  • -Patience before the tackle
  • -Follow your pass — the movement is part of the practice

Progressions

  • +Reverse the rotation direction on the coach's call
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Hold roles for a full round before rotating
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Rotate only the two hardest roles to give them extra reps
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Sprinting straight through the attacker
  • -Standing square and getting spun
  • -Staying in a favourite role and avoiding the harder one

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