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Pressure/Cover Tactical Defending Soccer Game

Drill Quick Glance
Age: 9+ Field: 60X40
Players: 10 Focus: DEFENDING
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 20 mins.
Goalkeeper: YES Team
Rating: 3.82 / 5 Views: 84,718
Published: 9/14/2006 Author: Chris Johnson
Drill Objective

This soccer drill is designed to help players identify the roles of the first defender (the closest player to the ball) and the second defender (the supporting player providing cover). It focuses on teaching players how to effectively pressure the ball handler while maintaining proper positioning for defensive support.

The focus of this 4v4 soccer game is to teach players recognize the first and second defenders.
Drill setup
  1. Set up a large grid approximately 60 X 40 yards with a goal on each end lines with a keeper.
  2. Split the teams into 2 even teams of 4 with a keeper in each goal.
Drill Instructions
  1. Instruct the players to shout "ONE" if they are the defender closest to the player with the ball.
  2. The 2nd defender who is covering the space behind the first defender shouts "TWO" indicating they are the 2nd defender in cover position.
  3. If a player fails to shout the appropriate number, the opposing team receives a free-kick.
Drill Variations
  • N/A
Soccer Drill Titled: Pressure/Cover Tactical Defending Soccer Game
Tagged:
  • TACTICAL DEFENDING SOCCER GAME
  • PRESSURE COVER BALANCE
Published by: Chris Johnson

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