Prepare players for a game by increasing core body temperature.
Active warm up stretches to prepare muscles for activity.
Develop a players dribbling ability and control.
For full diagrams view: http://www.professionalsoccercoaching.com/functional-defending-training-drills-soccer.html
Drill No: FD1
Age: 12-Adult soccer warm ups and warm up
No Players: 10+
Difficulty: Medium
Area/Time: 35x35yrds (15-30mins)
Diagram 1
ORGANISATION:
Using the quarter of the pitch closest to either goal mark out an area slightly larger than the penalty area (approx. 35x35yrds). The attacking team has five players in a 3-2 formation and the defending team has four players and a goal keeper in a 3-1 formation. Drill can be played using the offside rule depending on how the coach wants his defenders to play.
START POSITION(S):
There is generally one start position for this drill with the player at the back of the area playing the ball in and then joining the play for the attacking team.
SCORING:
The attacking team score by scoring in the full size goal. The defending team score a goal by dribbling or passing the ball through the two smaller gate goals at the back of the 35x35yrd area.
KEY COACHING POINTS:
Nearest player to the ball applies immediate pressure.
Communication and Organisation.
Cover and Support (i.e. Mark your man and half of someone elses).
Track forward runs.
Individual defending technique (slow on approach, sideways on, show outside)
Offside Trap
PROGRESSIONS:
Add an extra attacker to challenge the defence more.
Increase the area of play to create more space for the attackers.
VARIATIONS:
Progress on to perform the drill 1 touch when the players are confident. Also the cones can be moved back to increase difficulty. The option to introduce aerial driven passes on the long pass is also an option.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS:
Communication is key in this exercise. Keep encouraging the players to talk, including the goal keeper. Developing a defensive mentality and an enjoyment of breaking down their attacks.