Exercises › Game exercise

1v1: defending from behind

• 15 min
• 6–11 players
• 5v5
• 7v7
• 9v9
• 11v11
• Defending against shots
• Pressing & Regaining possession

A defending exercise where the defender starts behind the attacker. The defender can try to intercept the pass before the attacker receives the ball, and otherwise must make close contact immediately so the attacker cannot turn. Mark out a 30 x 15 m area with a 5 m zone at each end. At one end are two mini-goals with two teams of five beside them. At the other end a coach stands with balls. One attacker steps into the area towards the coach and a defender follows. The coach passes to the attacker's feet. The attacker takes a touch, turns and tries to score in either mini-goal. The defender tries to intercept or win the ball. If the defender dribbles the ball into the opposite zone the team scores 1 point, and a direct interception of the coach's first pass is worth 2. See the video. Source: FIFA Training Centre (Instagram).

What the coach should look for

• Try to intercept the pass before the attacker receives it.
• Make close contact at once so the attacker cannot turn.
• Keep your body between the attacker and the goals.
• Win the ball and drive into the opposite zone.

Watch the video

The video belongs to its creator and plays at the source.

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