DEFENDING THE BALL

This soccer defending drill is great for teaching young players how to defend when they are the closest player to the opponent with the ball.

Setup
* You will need the attacking third of a field with a full size goal.
* Split the team into two groups of defenders who start on both sides of the goal.
* Two attacking players are positioned outside the penalty area on both sides of the field, with a ball.

Instructions

1. On the coaches command the first defender from each line closes down the attacker.

2. You should focus on a fast, controlled approach while positioning their body between the ball and the middle of the goal.

3. Let every player go 4-5 times or until they are comfortable with approaching the attacker.

Variations

* Have the defenders pass the ball to the attacker and focus on the same items above.

Coaching Points

* Fast, Controlled approach
* Get body positioned between the goal and the ball.

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