A lot of defending sessions are centered upon aggression, physical ability and playing with more energy than the opposition. While this certainly serves a purpose, players are rarely asked to adapt and make decisions based on what is happening in front of them. Screen, Intercept & Counter focuses on a teams ability to get compact, shift as a unit and work together to win the ball back at the right time to then transition immediately to attack.

1.

Setup:

10 x 10 rondo boxes with 3 teams of 2 set up in different color bibs. 2 mini goals/ gates set up in each box. Sets of 1.5 mins for each defensive group x 6 sets (dynamic stretch between every 3 sets.

Instructions:

Players on each end play square and forward to try and penetrate past the two defenders. If the attackers split the defenders, they win 1 point. Defenders win 1 point back for winning the ball and playing into the top goals. Same group defends for the set. Team with least points does burpee punishment.*

Coaching Points:

• Pressure and covering angles – both players must communicate WHO is pressing and WHEN they are doing it. When a player presses, the 2nd defender should drop and screen forward passes
• Pressure, cover principles- ensure effective angles and distances to screen forward passes
• Communication- ‘Pressure, cover, drop, step’- get players used to the habit of talking when defending

2.

Setup:

Screen and intercept three team rondo; 3 v 3 + 3 possession. 3 mins: 3 mins x 3= 18 mins.

Instructions:

Screen and intercept three team rondo:

Group of 3 players (black) keep possession against the team in the middle (3 v 1), attempting to switch the ball to the red team on the other side. Defensive team start by sending one defender (3 v 1) and 2 screening defenders who can also stop the ball from going to the opposite side. If the defensive team (green) win possession, they must play to the team in the opposite grid to get out of the middle. They are then replaced by the team who lost possession (black).

Coaching Points:

• Pressure, Cover, balance- 1st defender must make play predictable
• Pressing cues – know when to press and drop. 2nd and 3rd defender must react to cues set by 1st defender

3.

Setup:

Screening small sided game. 6 reps each time x 3/4 sets, 30 seconds to get back into starting positions.

Instructions:

Play starts with the team of 4 in red, who attempt to play sideways to break the line and find the red player behind the line of pressure. The red player has one touch to score in any of the mini goals. The black team attempt to win possession after screening the pass which starts the counter attack. The black team must release the yellows into the final third, who score with a cross and finish.

2. Progression: On coaches whistle/command, 2 red defenders can defend the box (3 v 2 in favor of yellow)

Coaching Points:

• Midfield defending – communication to step/drop and screen the pass forward
• Counter press – red team should have an aggressive defensive transition- decision to drop/ immediately press
• Assistant coach: Attacking transition- play forward quickly, supporting runs to exploit space

4.

Setup:

2 teams of 7 with one goalkeeper. Field of 44 x 55 yards split into 2 grids with mini-goals at each end as shown. 3 v 3 in each half with a 1 v 1 in a 10 yard channel outside the penalty box. Setup is adapted to accommodate other squad members (neutral players on the attacking team). Switch defending team each set.

Instructions:

Screen, intercept and attack game; Play starts with a pass from the Coach (C) to attacking team (black team in diagram) who attempt to play 3 v 3 and can transfer the ball to the opposite side; they can score by (1) 10 completed passes or (2) scoring in mini-goals. When the defending team wins the ball, they attempt to play immediately to the striker and then support to score (2 attackers can join to create a 3 v 1 to goal).

Coaching Points:

• Defending team:
  • Compact and aggressive – pressure on ball
  • Communication – constant organisation
  • On gaining possession first look must be to Target player – think “transition”
• Possession Team: Quick ball circulation and movement