Play Like R.O.I – Defending as a Unit
1. Possession Box
- 5 v 2 possession box
- 7 passes = 1 goal
- Player who gives away possession plus the player to their left replaces the middle 2 defenders
- Players stay in the middle if the ball splits the 2 defenders
Key Tips
- Work together as a defensive unit
- Nearest defender shuts down the ball
- The defender furthest away from the ball, sits behind on a diagonal cover to prevent the ball going through the middle
- Set traps (force the attackers into an error)
- 1st defender deflects attacker into the area they want them to pass
2. Build Up Play
- Green attempt to build up play so they can play forwards into the playmaker (no passes over head height)
- White must intercept the ball going into the playmaker (staying in their zone)
- They cannot tackle Green (passive defending)
- Rotate positions
Key Tips
- Nearest player shuts down the ball (being aware of where the playmaker is)
- Secondary and tertiary players support closely and just behind the primary defender to prevent the ball going through
- Check shoulders as you press
- Deny first, if you cannot deny space delivery, stop forward pass
3. Attack Vs Defence
- Green = try and score
- White = Defend and counter attacks through the gate
- Swap roles for fun at the end of the session
Key Tip
- Defensive unit – deflect the attackers wide
