While the use of ‘Catenaccio’ is rarely used in the modern game, coaches like Mourinho and Simeone have used concepts of the philosophy successfully in recent history. Specifically, the ability to defend in a low block with numbers and to use the ‘door bolt’ mentality at the 70th or 80th minute of important Champions League and league games have become a hallmark of teams like Inter Milan and Athletico Madrid’s success. This session focuses on the defensive group working individually and in small groups functionally to defend the box and creates game realistic challenges for them to come up against.

Italian Masterclass

1.

Setup:

Team split into 6 defenders, 6 attackers and 2 players delivering balls from wide areas. 3 mins sets x 6 sets (2 min rest). First set functional finishing with 2 attackers vs 1 defender, second set 3 v 2 defenders.

Instructions:

Attacking players start on top of the box and must get there before every new ball is played into the box. Defensive players start on the goal line and must also get there before a new ball is played into the box.1. Right wide player dribbles through the cone to cross into the box and one group (3 attackers) attacks the box against 3 defenders. Both groups get back to their positions and then the left wide player will take a touch through the cones and cross a new ball. 2. The next group of attackers and defenders then contest two balls in a row. Each group attacks the box 6 times (3 sets of 2 crosses). Progression: count points for defenders (+attackers if wanted). 1 pt for a 2 touch clearance, 2 pts for a 1 touch clearance, 3 pts for a 1 touch clearance that clears the box.

Coaching Points:

• Man marking – track runs and get tight to the players in the box
• Defensive heading (clearances should go up and out)
• Blocking runs and protecting the goalkeeper
• Communication between players in the box to track runs

2.

Setup:

Cones set up to divide the box into 3 areas (left/central/ right). Players split into 2 groups of attackers/ defenders. Rotation for attackers and defenders will be from A to B to C after each full set.

Instructions:

2 attackers play (at A) play square passes waiting for a forward (B) to check to the ball (2 v 2). One of the two players at A joins the attack (3 v 2) to go to goal.

Coaching Points:

• Defending back to pressure – aggressive pressure with a good body position to be able to change direction
• Constant communication with other defender regarding when to step/drop and track runs
• Crossing and finishing- decisions and technical execution

3.

Setup:

*Continuation from previous drill. Same set up.

Instructions:

After first central attack has finished:

2. Remaining player at A plays a ball out to Player (C) on the wide right who receives to beat the defender (passive defending) 1 v 1 to cross or enter the box to create a 3 v 2.

3. Attackers and defenders get back to the top of the box, while player at A plays final ball to the player at wide left (C) to receive to beat the defender 1 v 1 (passive) to cross or enter the box to create a 3 v 2. Players then rotate to new positions (defenders and attackers).

Coaching Points:

• Man/zonal marking- defenders are encouraged to defend key areas (front post, penalty spot, back post)
• Focus on getting into a good defensive position early with an open body position facing the ball
• Focus on a good connection in order to clear the ball away from goal (up and out)
• Communication – identify marks early and players must communicate if they are going to attack the ball.

4.

Setup:

Players set up into groups of 5. 2 teams of 5 players play in the playing area, with one team of 5 set up with 4 players outside the playing area and 1 neutral inside the grid. 4 mins x 3 sets.

Instructions:

Goalkeepers start with the ball from their goal. The team in possession must play at least 3 passes before transferring the ball to the out of the playing area to a wide player. The wide player has 2 touches to set the ball and play the ball into the box (game realism). If a team scores from a cross, their goalkeeper starts with a new ball. Alternatively, teams can also score from open play as usual (keeps the defensive players honest, needing to defend attackers when the ball is central and in wide areas).

Coaching Points:

• Man/zonal marking- defenders are encouraged to defend key areas (front post, penalty spot, back post)
• Focus on getting into a good defensive position early with an open body position facing the ball
• Focus on a good connection in order to clear the ball away from goal (up and out)
• Communication – identify marks early and players must communicate if they are going to attack the ball

5.

Setup:

Half field game, playing the width of the 18 yard box. Game split into 8 v 8 game + 2 neutrals- teams split into 2 halves with a 4 v 3 + GK in each half. 7 min games x 3 sets.

Instructions:

Goalkeepers start with the ball for each possession and play in to their half, then the team attempts into a player into the attacking half. The team can either play 3 v 4 to goal or play into a wide player and then get into the box for a cross. Game continues for the set.

Coaching Points:

• Defending back to pressure – aggressive pressure with a good body position to be able to change direction
• Constant communication with other defender regarding when to step/drop and track runs
• Man/zonal marking- defenders are encouraged to defend key areas (front post, penalty spot, back post)
• Focus on getting into a good defensive position early with an open body position facing the ball
• Focus on a good connection in order to clear the ball away from goal (up and out)