DEFENDING: AS INDIVIDUALS

CHALLENGING TO PREVENT PLAYERS TURNING AND INTERCEPTING

KEY FACTORS

• Watch the opponent with ball S2
• Make up ground when the ball is travelling
• Watch the ball
• Be patient
• Select the correct moment to challenge
• If the attacker is slow to the ball, then win it in front Be careful of getting too close and getting turned

ORGANISATION, DIRECTION AND PROGRESSION

• S2 serves the ball to 01 who attempts to play to SI
• Xl prevents 01 from turning with the ball
• Sequence prepared with SI serving Xl
• All players must have the opportunity to play as defender

KEY FACTORS

• Straight run or curved
• Speed of approach
• Closing down the last few yards Position of body
• Position of feet
• Gaining the initiative - feints
• Watch the ball
• Be patient stay on feet

ORGANISATION, DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT

• S plays ball to 0 who attempts to pass it back
• X prevents the ball being played to S
• Thus keeping play in front of X
• Rotate so that all players have the opportunity to defend

DEFENDING: 1. FORCING PLAY IN ONE DIRECTION

KEY FACTORS

• When forcing play down touchline defender must block route off inside
• Curved run
• Position of feet and body
• How close to attacker
• If the ball is shown then challenge win it. Be patient

ORGANISATION, DIRECTION AND PROGRESSION

• Sl serves to 01
• Xl prevents 01 from dribbling inside
• 01 is forced down the line
• Cones on baseline are target for 01

KEY FACTORS IN PROGRESSION

• Distance between Xl and X2 (cover player) and angle of support
• Communication
  • Get close
  • Force player down line, encourage patience
  • Win the ball should the opportunity arise
• O1 has objective to dribble over base line