It is important for players to understand that different game situations require different tactical responses; it is not possible for one ‘way’ to cover all possibilities that a team may face during match-play.
Below are a few samples of questions that need to be considered when developing various defensive strategies–
- Opponent style of play
- Your team + individual strengths / weaknesses
- Strength of Opponent
- Time of game: first half / 2nd half / last minutes
- Current score: 1-0 up holding the lead; 1-1 and playing for the draw etc
- Red Card: Man advantage or Dis-Advantage
- *Just from these few examples it is clear that different strategies must be developed
Coaches can choose to rehearse the various scenarios in their training environment by setting up realistic activities with situational demands.
The following 2 Activities develop an understanding of –
- Playing in a compact low defensive block
- Playing a high pressing game (including fore-checking)
Examples of situational demands may be –
- “We have received a red-card and are holding on for 1 point (draw)”. The Coach may decide to play in a low defensive block to prevent any penetration from the opponent.
- “We are playing against a stronger opponent who likes to buildup from the Goalkeeper each time”; Coach has identified that a high-press may force errors to create scoring opportunities early in the game.
1.
Setup:
A 9v9 is organised as shown. Playing area utilised to replicate defending in a low Block-of-8 + GK. Attacking team consists of Fullbacks + Midfield 4 + 2 Strikers. Defending (Red) team plays without Central Strikers but utilises GK (A) as a Target player.
Instructions:
TACTICAL GAME – DEFENDING IN A LOW BLOCK OF 8 + FAST TRANSITIONS TO ATTACK:
Play starts with Coach (C) each time. Defensive team (B) must stay organised and compact in a low block to deny penetration. On winning possession look to play quickly in front to Target (A). On transition, goals are scored in either mini-goal.
Coaching Points:
- Stay compact as starting point
- Team must shift as a unit – close all passing lanes
- Deny all vertical passes
- Vertical distance between Back-4 and Midfield line – 10-15m maximum
- Immediately apply pressure on ball if any penetration is attempted
- On winning possession – immediately transition to attack + attempt to score as quickly as possible
2.
Setup:
A 9v9 is organised as shown.
Playing area utilised to replicate situations where defensive team can press high (Forechecking)
Team (A) consists of a GK + Back-4 + Midfield 4. Defensive team (Red) plays without Central Defenders: team consists of GK + 2 Fullbacks + 4 Midfield + 2 Strikers.
Instructions:
TACTICAL GAME – HIGH-PRESS (+ Forechecking) TO CREATE SCORING CHANCES:
Play starts with GK (A) each time. Starting positions for Defensive (Red) team illustrated in Diagram.
Key point – Strikers must allow enough space to encourage GK to pass to either his Central Defenders or Fullbacks.
On winning possession attempt to score in opponents goal.
Coaching Points:
- Strikers stay centrally – allow C.Defenders enough space to encourage them to receive pass from GK
- Immediate high-press as a group
- Strikers press Central Defenders and any backpass to GK; R+L Mids press Fullbacks
- Central Midfield players may get in front of their opponent (Forechecking) to win possession and cut off passing lanes
- Goalkeeper (B) can cover any central long-balls from the Attacking team
3.
Setup:
A 9v9 is organised as shown.
Playing area utilised to replicate situations where defensive team can press high (Forechecking)
Team (A) consists of a GK + Back-4 + Midfield 4. Defensive team (Red) plays without Central Defenders: team consists of GK + 2 Fullbacks + 4 Midfield + 2 Strikers.
Instructions:
TACTICAL GAME – HIGH-PRESS (+ Forechecking) TO CREATE SCORING CHANCES:
In the Diagram the Right C. Defender has received the ball and is immediately under pressure from the Striker while the 2nd Striker moves centrally to prevent any pass back to the GK or opposite Central Defender; the pass goes to the Right Full-Back who is already under pressure from the L. Midfield opponent.
On winning possession attempt to score in opponents goal.
Coaching Points:
- Strikers stay centrally – allow Central Defenders enough space to encourage them to receive pass from GK
- Immediate high-press as a group
- Strikers press Central Defenders and any backpass to GK; R+L Mids press Fullbacks
- Central Midfield players may get in front of their opponent (Forechecking) to win possession and cut off passing lanes
- Goalkeeper (B) can cover any central long-balls from the Attacking team