Defending is a team’s mindset
Setting up the defending philosophy, stating that defending is not the position in a team, but the team’s mindset, we have prepared the session, targeting 3 main objectives:
- Defending positioning
- Quick reaction
- Fast transition to defence
Using the method that the game situation is the best teacher, we created two situations that happen very often during every game. The first situation is when a team is in defending counterattack. The attacking duo starts the action by breaking through in spaces towards opponents’ goal in an attempt to score; nearest players are in a chase to deny scoring. The main coaching points are:
- Anticipate the situation
- Position yourself to take the advantage of the situation
- Press closely to tackle at the right time
- Block the finishing action
- Counterattacking upon the winning position of the ball
In the second situation, defenders are under pressure while they’re receiving the ball in front of their own goal trying to build up the attack, or get away from the pressure and danger zone. While they’re under pressure from the opponent, the attacking duo has to find the best solution using their teammates, the goalkeeper or dealing with a difficult 1v1 situation.
In both situations, there is a high level of decision making under a tight pressure. Players are exposed to a real game situation and get the most useful experience that can help them act calmly and with controlled behaviour.
With coaches’ inputs, our players answered the challenges well and found many good options.
We know that learning from your own experience is the best way to grow as a player.