Role of the First Defender "Applying Pressure"

Learning How to Force the Direction of Play

Purpose:	The purpose of this session is to train all players on how to be the first defender; the player puttting immediate pressure on the ball. The first defender dictates the way the defense works and how they position themselves. Defensive success relates directly to the first defender and his ability to force the play in one direction. He makes the play predictable and takes options away from the opponent. He allows the rest of the defense to set up behind him. He must be intense, under control and defend with purpose. This session will introduce these concepts to the players.
Equipment:	Cones, pinnies, balls.
Progression:	Unrestricted: This session begins with players warming up by passing and moving in groups of three. After a pass the player makes a curved run at the defender forcing one direction without lunging past the ball, jockeying with the attacker a few steps. The attacker then passes to the next player and becomes the defender. It continues. Restricted: The session becomes a 3v1 game in a 10x12 grid. The players in possession will possess until a mistake is made, but the defender will be working with aggressive curved runs forcing the ball one direction. One goal with counters: The game in one v one to lines with players focused on the forced curve run to force play in one direction. It progresses to one v one to large goals and a counter attack goal Two goals: The session ends with three v three to large goals in a medium sized grid played tournament style if numbers permit. All focus is on forcing the play one direction.
Coaching Points:	Get in hard and fast but under control Curve your run; force the attacker one way Do not lunge; keep you feet under you Be on your toes Be sideways on; feet staggered not flat Control, control, control Tackle immediately after touch Do not be in a hurry to tackle but be patient, wait for a mistake Emphasis on the curved run Emphasis on forcing play in one dirction Be aggressive but do not over commit Communicate with your teammates “Can you work together?” “Can you tackle on mistakes” On defenders mistakes step in front, seal off and win the ball instead of tackling.

THE SESSION

Activity	Setup
Passing and moving Three a group within the grid passing and moving. One player knocks in and follows with a forced curved run to pressure the ball Then play to third in group; repeat Defense: passive in trying to win: 50% Coaching Points: Get in hard and fast but under control Curve your run; force the attacker one way Do not lunge; keep you feet under you Be on your toes Be sideways on; feet staggered not flat

3v1 in a 10x12 Three attackers versus one defender If defender wins, the attacker who lost it goes to the middle Coaching Points: Curve your run to force the play Sit down; be sideways on Control, control, control Do not lunge Attackers: find the corners, be moving.

1 v 1 to lines in a 30 x 10 Red play ball in to blue. Blue receive and attack Red. Make it take it. New blue attacks new Red If Red wins, turn away and play back to red Attacker who lost ball is now defender If ball goes out attacker is loser so he defends vs. new red who dribbles out with ball. Attacker must beat with dribble. Progress to playing to large goal in 30 x 15 and a counter goal Coaching Points: Chop feet down to stay under control Do not over commit; no lunge Tackle immediately after touch Do not be in a hurry to tackle but be patient, wait for a mistake Make the defender beat you; don’t make it easy by lunging in

3v3 to large goals Three versus three Play round robin tournament style if possible, where each team plays each other team. Coaching Points Emphasis on the curved run Emphasis on forcing play in one dirction Be aggressive but do not over commit Communicate with your teammates “Can you work together?” “Can you tackle on mistakes” On defenders mistakes step in front, seal off and win the ball instead of tackling.