Defensive training drills are crucial in developing players ability in the defensive positions of the pitch. A well drilled and organised defence is the backbone of any successful team as it can limit opponent’s chances in front of goal, as well as frustrate teams into over-committing players which can be exploited by attacking players through counter attacks.
Defensive training drills can be used both individually and in teams. Individually, defensive players must have the ability to tackle opponents, intercept passes, and have the aerial ability to both defend and attack long balls and set-piece situations. Within a team, defensive players must be able to keep a tight defensive line to catch attacking opponents offside, cover other defenders who may be out of position, and be organised as a unit to defend set pieces.
Take a look at our Defending training drills below for drills you can utilise within your own training sessions!
Compactness
Part 1 The four players in possession move the ball sideways trying to hit their two target players in front of them. The defending four are trying to prevent forward play by blocking passes, no tackling allowed however you can introduce this later. If a target player...
Blocking Crosses and Shots
Be sure to have a good ball supply. You can find our range of footballs here. The first ball is played out wide which creates a 1 v 1 situation. The yellow player stays in his zone and the blue player cannot cross the line. Progress to allowing complete freedom....
Blocking Practices
Practice 1. You can purchase our Slalom Poles and football cones for use in these training practices. Structure: -Set up as above. -Distances between 8-12 yards. Rules -The whites are in pairs. -Each pair passes their ball back and forth (two touch). -The yellow...
Playing Out From The Back
You can view another training session based around playing out from the back here. Practice 1. Structure: -To keep it as realistic as possible use half the pitch. -Good ball supply. Rules: -The game can start with a goal kick, coach sending it in to any white player...
Remaining Compact As A Back Four
This training session is inspires by Arrigo Sacchi. Drill 1. Structure: -Set up the area as above. Rules: -10 yellows head up the pitch trying to score a goal. -The offside rule is in place. -If a red player touches the ball then that ball is dead and all the yellows...
Defending When Outnumbered
Help improve your teams ability to defend when outnumbered with these three training drills. You may need footballs, football bibs and football goals for these sessions. Session 1. Structure: -Set up the area as above. Rules: -Back four and the goal keeper defend the...
Defending Practices
Structure: -Set up the area as above. Rules: -The whites pass the ball back and forth. -The blues work in pairs laterally as the ball travels. -As you can see one blue player marks the mannequin ball side with the other 2yards deeper preventing the forward pass down...
Defending When Out of Balance
Note: 'Defending when out of balance' refers to times when your team may be 'unbalanced', such as your full back is out of position after attacking, or you are hit on the counter when pressing for a last minute goal. Game 1. Rules: -Whites defend the big goal and try...
Advantages & Disadvantages of Zonal Marking
The 6 Yard Line If the delivery is in swinging, like this one, then the defenders may choose to go one yard inside the six yard box in order to come out and attack the ball. If the delivery is out swinging then they generally start on the six yard line. 3 Bases As you...