DEFENDING GAMES - US Youth Soccer

DEFENDING GAMESSam Snow, Coaching Director for US Youth Soccer – NationalStaff Instructor for U. S. SoccerPrinciples of Defense1. Immediate chase (pressure) – 1 st Defender2. Delay – get goal side – 1 st Defender3. Depth – 2 nd Defender4. Concentration – All Defenders5. Restraint and control – All Defenders6. Balance – 3 rd Defender7. Support – 2 nd & 3 rd DefendersAll players need to learn the principles of defense beginning with how to pressure the dribbler atU8 and working up to the execution of all defending principles by U15. For the players to be ableto execute these principles of defense they must be taught the skills of defending.EFFICIENT DEFENDING INVOLVES:► Reading the game.► Positioning to advantage.► Reacting to events and circumstances after accurate assessments and judgments.► Individual responsibility during defensive play.► Shared responsibility during defensive play.Continuous reaction and role changes in response to quick and ever-changing situationsare the responsibilities of ALL players on the defending team.Uneven Numbers 5 v 2Teach first and second defender roles, how to switch roles along with verbal and visualcommunication.Target GameThe emphasis is on pressuring the attacker serving the ball to the target player.US Youth Soccer

Line GameThe emphasis here is on maintaining good defensive team shape and horizontalcompactness.Four Goal GameThe emphasis here is on vertical compactness as well as communication and swiftmovement. The players must be aware of space and are they numbers up, even or down.All BackThe emphasis in this activity is on recovery runs, staying compact in the defending half of thefield and speed of transition onto defense.Basic GameNow let the players have a match – 4 v 4 with or without keepers up to 8 v 8 with goalkeepers.Do not coach at this time. Instead observe the players and their decision-making. Has yourcoaching had a positive effect upon their performance?Graphics provided by Larry Paul except where noted.References:1) The Football Association2) The Royal Netherlands Football Association3) The United States Soccer FederationUS Youth Soccer