Defending

Tempo 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
Tempo

Age

Under 8 to Adults

Duration

14 min

Players

4-16

Area / pitch size

26 x 18 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 26 x 18 yards area.
  2. 2Set a visible timer or have an assistant count aloud from the side of the area.
  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. 4The clock starts the moment the first pass is played in.
  5. 5The sequence must reach the end action inside eight seconds or the rep is void.

Coaching points

  • -Close the space quickly, then slow down
  • -Side-on with the low centre of gravity
  • -Patience before the tackle
  • -Pass with pace and intent — under-hit passes cost the clock

Progressions

  • +Cut the clock to six seconds
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Stretch the clock to twelve seconds
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Reps finished inside five seconds score double
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Sprinting straight through the attacker
  • -Standing square and getting spun
  • -Slow, sideways passing that burns the clock

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