CONTROL SHOOTING PASSING DRIBBLING TURNING HEADING CREATE SPACE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING SUPPORT PLAY GOALKEEPING CROSSING TACKLING THE THROW IN ATTACKING SET PLAYS DEFENDING SET PLAYS THE FREE KICK

DEFENDING SET PLAYS

Please select a subsection from the topics below :

A basic introduction   Corners Closing down space Forcing the play The corner kick Corners to the edge of the penalty area Corners to and beyond the far post Switching play in defence

CLOSING DOWN THE SPACE TO ATTACKERS

All players (no matter what their position) should work at the technique of denying space to opponents.

It is a fact that defenders, who allow opponents time and space to control the ball, can find themselves out of the game, as they are simply bypassed.

There is a technique in "closing down" opponents.

a) defenders who rush in too quickly can easily be beaten if they slightly miss-time their challenge.
b) They can also be penalised for rash challenges.
c) Timing and anticipating is everything, and it enables the defender to stay on his feet.
d) The knack is for the defender to be able to see the ball and any possible movement by the opponent - and then make the challenge when the opportunity presents itself.

SO DEFENDERS SHOULD

1 Try and anticipate, while the ball is moving.
2 Concentrate on the opponents around the ball.
3 Wait until the right moment presents itself before making a tackle - observe, too, where your own teammates are.
4 Try and stay on you feet at all times.

Here are some practices that can be used to assist in improving the techniques of closing down opponents.

Practice 1

Points to note

1. The 2 defenders (D) must work together Eg As A1 passes to A2, then D2 closes in on A2, at the same D1 must anticipate which pass (from A2) will come next, so he may opt to wait before closing down on A3, or even try and intercept any pass from A2.

2. D1 and D2 must tackle when they get the chance.

3. D1 and D2 must work at angles. So that as A1 passes to A2, D2 can manoeuvre himself in such a position that A2 cannot pass back to A1, which will in turn allow D1 to concentrate on A4 and A3.

The coach can vary this practice by allowing the attackers only 2 touches of the ball. They must either pass it first time on to a colleague, or control the ball, then pass it on with next touch on the ball.

This makes it more difficult for the attackers, but improves their commitment in the practice, and indeed speeds up the practice

If attackers are adept enough the coach can make the practice one touch only. So as the ball arrives by any of the A's, they must immediately pass it on to a colleague.

Practice 2 - This is a progression

To progress the coach can;

1 Add another defender, so that there are 3 X's in the area.
2 Insist on two or one touch from the attackers (A's).