Greetings Coaches,

The following activities emphasize and teach the concept of “Delay in Defense” Many players feel that it is a defenders responsibility to dive in and WIN the ball at all costs. In reality, it is important for players to be patient while defending to slow the attack and allow teammates time to recover. “Delay” is a key principle of defending that must be emphasized in all areas of the pitch.

Activity #1:
Set-up:

A 20×25 grid is created as shown below. Cones are placed at the half-way point on each side of the grid. Two teams (red, yellow) begin the activity at opposite ends of the grid. Two players from each team begin at the half-way cones as shown.

Explanation:

Player (A) passes the ball to (B) at the opposite end of the grid. (A) will act as the defensive player, (B) acts as the attacker. As soon as (B) receives the ball player (C) must sprint from the half-way cone, around the corner cone and enter the grid as the SUPPORTING defender. This creates a 2v1 in favor of the defensive team. The attacker must attempt to dribble over the opponents end-line. Emphasis is placed on the 1st defender (A) delaying the attack to allow recovering defender (C) time to arrive.
Alternate attempts and rotate recovering defenders to avoid fatigue.
Note: The delaying tactic results in a 2v1 in favor of the defensive team – this should result in the defenders having success in stopping the attack thus reinforcing the value of “delay” for each player.

Coaching Points:

• Side-ways on stance to steer the attacker one way.
• Get out to meet the attacker quickly – then slow last few yards.
• Don´t “dive in” – stay on your feet.
• Communication from recovering defender.
• Activity #2 develops this theme into a 2v2 with a recovering defender.

Activity #2:

Same grid as Activity #1 is used. Players begin as Activity #1.

Explanation:

Player (A) passes to either attacker (B,C). Players (A,D) must then sprint forward to defend. As soon as the attackers receive the ball the recovering defender (E) can leave the middle cone to support the defensive team. This creates a 3v2 in favor of the defensive team. Attackers must go at pace to unsettle the defenders and make the activity realistic. Emphasis is again placed on delaying the attack.

Coaching Points:

• Side-ways on stance to steer the attacker one way.
• Cover from the 2nd defender.
• Get out to meet the attacker quickly – then slow last few yards.
• Don´t “dive in” – stay on your feet.
• Communication from 2nd defender and recovering defender.

Activity #3:

Six cones are placed as shown. Yellow team acts as attackers, Red act as defenders. The coach is positioned with a supply of balls as shown.

Explanation:

The coach begins the sequence with a pass to any of the attackers. As soon as the attackers have received the ball the defenders (A,B,C) can enter the grid. Recovering defender (D) can also leave the half-way cone once the attackers have received the initial pass. The attackers are encouraged to attack at pace to maintain a realistic environment and must attempt to break through the defensive line before going to goal. Emphasis is placed on delaying the attack to allow the recovering defender time to offer support.
Note: To encourage a quicker tempo a time limit for each attack can be implemented – (eg) once the ball is received the attackers have 6 seconds to get to goal.
Rotate recovering defenders to avoid fatigue.
Coaching Points:

• Don´t “dive in”
• Steer the attackers one way.
• Stay on your feet.
• Communication amongst all defenders.
• Supporting angles, distances.
• DELAY, DELAY, DELAY!