Pressure/Cover Tactical Defending Soccer Game

Chris Johnson 81,422 Views Rating 3.84 (25 Reviews)

The focus of this soccer game is to teach players recognize the first defender (closest defender to the ball) and second defenders (player covering/supporting the first defender). The drill is geared towards teaching the players how to pressure the player with the ball and proper cover positioning.

Soccer Drill Diagram: Pressure/Cover Tactical Defending Soccer Game

Tactical Defending Soccer Game, Pressure Cover Balance

The focus of this soccer game is to teach players recognize the first defender 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
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
Drill Coaching Points

  • Help the players recognize when they are the 1st or 2nd defenders.
Soccer Drill Skill Focus

Top Rated Soccer Drills


7v7 Scrimmage

Chris Johnson 151,663 Views Rating 4.4 (5 Reviews)
It's always good to finishing a soccer training session with a 7 vs. 7 scrimmage to focus on team play.

Sharks and Minnows

Chris Johnson 553,038 Views Rating 4.3 (166 Reviews)
The Sharks and Minnows dribbling drill focuses on using the body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.

1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill

Chris Johnson 471,359 Views Rating 4.3 (10 Reviews)
Spice up your shooting combination drill by finishing with a 1v1 to goal. Add a fun little twist, and the kids love it.

Pirates of the Pugg

John Bychok 700,076 Views Rating 4.27 (384 Reviews)
This drill is an excellent drill for younger players ages 8-11 and focuses on dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.

Alien Tag Soccer Game

Chris Johnson 331,260 Views Rating 4.27 (11 Reviews)
Alien tag is a great Under 4 soccer game for 3, 4, 5, and 6 year-olds. Your kids will like flying around and crashing in their spaceship.

4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

Chris Johnson 238,577 Views Rating 4.24 (75 Reviews)
4v4 in soccer is the smallest game focusing on all aspects of a full sided soccer match.

The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces

Chris Johnson 190,924 Views Rating 4.23 (48 Reviews)
The flat game soccer drill is designed to focus on young soccer players learning to dribble in tight spaces.

Four Corners Passing Game

Chris Johnson 776,483 Views Rating 4.2 (284 Reviews)
The Four Corners Soccer Passing Game is a great soccer passing drill to focus on changing the point of the attack, and timing of runs and passes.

1v1 Competition

Chris Johnson 330,172 Views Rating 4.2 (147 Reviews)
This drill is great to focus on 1v1 play. It is flexible and can be used to work on the offensive side or the defensive side.

Ouch!

Chris Johnson 677,652 Views Rating 4.18 (268 Reviews)
A FUN soccer drill for younger players (U6, U7, and U8) to introduce dribbling, looking up and correctly striking the ball at a target.