Defending

Two-Touch 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
Two Touch

Age

Under 8 to Adults

Duration

14 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. 2Place a marker at every receiving position so players know where to set the ball before it arrives.
  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. 4Ball enters from the coach and the first receiver is on two touches from that moment.
  5. 5Count completed sequences under the touch limit — best of three 3-minute rounds.

Coaching points

  • -Close the space quickly, then slow down
  • -Side-on with the low centre of gravity
  • -Patience before the tackle
  • -First touch out of the feet and into the direction of the next pass

Progressions

  • +Drop the central players to one touch
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Allow three touches while the picture is being learned
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Two touches in your own half, free touches in the final third
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Sprinting straight through the attacker
  • -Standing square and getting spun
  • -Taking a settling touch that kills the tempo

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