1. TACTICAL
Where and When to defend 1v1
PSYCHOLOGICAL / SOCIAL
Patience
Bravery
Desire
“Win It”
PHYSICAL
Agility
Balance
Co-ordination
Speed
Upper Body/Core Strength
TECHNICAL
“Shut Down, Slow Down, Sit Down,
Show Down”
Tackling
Ball Mastery
What Went Well: Very good 1 v 1 defending which was taken into
game at the end which finished 0-0 – short interventions
Even Better If: Try to challenge individuals and group when they need
pushing and link sessions without losing tempo
WARM UP– 15mins
One player works as the first defender. The other players
must shield their ball from the defender. If the defender
knocks a ball from the cones then the shielding player
becomes the new defender. The game is continuous.
BALL MASTERY – 15mins
Players on the outside – Toe Taps, Sole Drags, Ball Dancing, Inside-Outside,
Shuffles from cone to cone – at cone execute a cut or turn
Players in the middle – Movement + Toe Taps, Sole Drags, Ball Dancing, Inside-
Outside, Shuffles – on coaches command execute cut or turn
If enough balls 1 each if not work in pairs with time limit for each player in
possession. Frequent changes, quick touches = QUICK TEMPO
PASSING PRACTICE – 15mins – set up two stations
Players perform a pre-action before receiving the ball “body open” and pass
around the diamond.
Work both directions
Concentrate on first touch forward
Try to control with one foot and pass with the other
1v1 PRACTICE 2 – 20mins
Two teams – two from each in the middle, others pass the balls into
the area for two to score – game stops when all balls have been
played.
BARNET FC ACADEMY 2013/14
Coach(es): MM Age Group: U9
Coaching Style: Command, Q&A, Demo, Guided Disc. Group Size: 10
Location: The Hive Date: 02/10/13
Surface: ATP Time: 6-7.45pm
Session Theme: Improve Defending as an Individual & Ball Mastery
Week No: 4 Learning Cycle: 1
1v1 PRACTICE 1 – 10mins
The attacker starts in the middle of the pitch. The keeper
throws a ball out to the attacker and then calls a number.
The defender called runs and tries to stop the attacker
scoring. The defender becomes the attacker for next game
SSG – 20mins – will only have 1 GK
Attacking team of 6 including GK, play 3-1-1 vs 4 defenders
One team defend the big goal and try to score in the two target goals
(cones). The other team defend the target goals and try to score in
the big goal. Rotate players between positions and teams (4 min
intervals) -Remember learning outcome – IMPROVE 1v1 DEFENDING

2. TACTICAL
Where and When to defend 1v1
PSYCHOLOGICAL / SOCIAL
Patience
Bravery
Desire
“Win It”
PHYSICAL
Agility
Balance
Co-ordination
Ball Striking Power
Speed
TECHNICAL
Passing – to ‘safe side’
Receiving – ‘body open’
‘Scan’ before receiving
What Went Well: Good link to sessions, good tempo and pace
throughout, high standard of 1 v 1 defending continued
Even Better If: Some players still need more challenges so need to
think about advancing session next time around including overloads
WARM UP – 15mins
Destroyer game -
Game 2. The defender(s) must kick all 4 balls out of the area
(The attackers can pass to each other as balls decrease)
FUNCTION PRACTICE – 20mins
Continuous 2v1 game with a recovering defender. 2 players attack a
goal with a GK, The player that shoots or loses possession must run to
the coach to make a header (ensuring 2v1). The other player
transitions to defend. 2 new attackers get ready for the next go.
Can defender delay to allow 2nd defender to recover in time?
BARNET FC ACADEMY 2013/14
Coach(es): MM Age Group: U9
Coaching Style: Command, Q&A, Demo, Guided Disc. Group Size: 12/13
Location: The Hive Date: 05/10/13
Surface: Grass Time: 10-12pm
Session Theme: Improve Defending as an Individual within a team & Basic Team
Shape
Week No: 4 Learning Cycle: 1
OVERLOAD PRACTICE– 20mins
The first player runs out & calls the attacker of their choice. The
attacker dribbles onto the pitch & a 1v1 game commences. After this
game the attacker & defender rotate positions.
“Shut down close down sit down show down”
COACHED GAME – 25mins
7v7 Vs U10 = Lewis leading, ensure rotation of positions.
Working on theme of individual defending within a team. Shut Down,
Slow Down, Show Down, Sit Down.
Can players recover behind the ball to a 3-2-1 once possession is
lost?
Can players show opponents wide? Where are we happy for the
opponents to have the ball?
Is there correct distances between the players?