Principles of play for defending

John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach Educator – UEFA ASTLS City and Guilds Level 3

Topic: Principles of play for defending

Unit aimThis unit will help with passing and support. It will include the principles of play for defending. When, where and how to defend.Learning outcomesThere are four learning outcomes to this unit. The learner will be able to:

1.Individual defending, small group defending, team defending2.Blocking shots and passes to gain possession or deter3.Sliding tackles to gain possession or deter4.Tracking and recovery runs, who, when and where



Group Task 1

• In groups discuss what you already know about the principles of play for defending

• Record it on flip charts or your note books

• Give examples of players and teams who have excellent principles of play for defending


Principles of defence playing on the counter attack.Celtic vs Juventus Champions League 2013


Group Task 2

• Record all technical information for principles of pay for defending

• Where possible try to put this in a logical order for coaching players

They will need a role model


FA Technical Detail

Defending in Pairs•Nearest person to ball•Communication to each other•Supporting distance•Angles of support•Marking man•Balance and cover

• Make up ground as ball is travelling• Slow down on attackers 1st touch• Prevent attacker turning or playing forward• If turned, adopt a side on position – predictability• Be patient, stay on feet• Good body shape.• Decision


Group Task 3

• Imagine you are a technical team of coaches• Your task it to design a technical practice (unopposed) coaching session

moving into a skill practice (opposed)• Once you have completed this you will need to present it to the

technical director for feedback• Think of the players, space, equipment needs.• The session should last 20 minutes


Session Plan Defending 2v2 3v3

Organisation• Area of 20x20 (2v2),30x30 (3v3)• Blues play to end reds who attack the end line of

area to score .blues defends the end line and try to win the ball. Progress to blues can score on winning the ball

• Alternate playersServers can be used to feed ball from the ends

Defending in Pairs• Nearest person to ball• Communication to each other• Supporting distance• Angles of support• Marking man• Balance and cover

Key factors


Four Corner Model


Group Task 4

• As part of the FA’s Long Term Player Development coaches are encouraged to help players develop in the four corners of development

• Discuss and record some of the areas you as coaches would like to develop in each corner

• Physical• Technical• Social• Psychological


Outcome of Four Corner Model

Technical

Role of 1st defenderPressure, Cover & Support

Psychological

Decision Making, be patientAwareness

Physical

Body PositionBalance

Social

CommunicationEnjoyment


Summary

Defending in Pairs•Nearest person to ball•Communication to each other•Supporting distance•Angles of support•Marking man•Balance and cover

• Make up ground as ball is travelling• Slow down on attackers 1st touch• Prevent attacker turning or playing forward• Be patient, stay on feet

Sports

Principles of play for defending