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Defending in the Attacking Zone

In the video below Richie Burke, head coach of the Washington Spirit discusses the principles he utilizes when defending in the attacking zone.

Here are his six principles of Defending in the Attacking Zone
1. Numbers down defending in the attacking zone needs to be zonal with forwards trying to prevent the ball from going wide to fullbacks
2. Must occupy players in a half-and-half defensive position and only press the ball when triggered by midfield players
3. Manage line of compromise as a unit and prevent passing going into deep midfield players
4. Pin defenders from moving forward and penetrating with the ball from the back line
5. Drop off to be connected to midfield players in order to limit space between lines.

In the video, Coach explains each principle and shows clips to help illustrate the consequences when the principles are followed.

This clip was taken from a full course. If you would like more information regarding that course click the following link: Style of Play: Richie Burke

5v5 Transition Game

This post provided by World Class Coaching

By Matthew Carroll –

Description: This is a great drill for teaching transition moments both offensively and defensively. There are opportunities to discuss counter pressing, transitional passing patterns, width, depth, and can even be used as a game day warm up to start players focusing on the flow of the upcoming game.

Setup: Create a 40×20 grid then split that evenly to create two 20×20 grids. Place five players from one team in one grid, with three opposition players with them. In the empty grid place the two remaining players. Have some balls near each grid to create a clear transition when the ball goes out.

Execution: The game starts when the coach plays the ball to the five-person team, the three-person team attempts to press and win the ball back.

If the defending team wins the ball their objective is to move the ball to the other two players in the other grid. Once they do so they want to quickly create width and have all players in a large rondo. The team that has lost the ball initially wants to press the ball so it cannot go into the other grid. If it does though, the team that lost the ball then must send three players over to try to win the ball back, leaving two players behind for when they win and transition back.

Variations:
The number of players that are in each grid/are allowed to defend can be modified
Winning conditions can be added such as fastest transitions, most time spent on the ball, most transitions, etc.

Check this FREE eBook courtesy of World Class Coaching

Ball Control and Dribbling (Free eBook)

Possession to Switch Point of Attack Drills

This post was provided by World Class Coaching.

In the video below Coach Matt Carroll illustrates possession to switch attack drills.

The drills are designed to teach players to use possession in tight spaces to open up and switch the point of attack

To begin he has three players with no defense executing a passing and receiving drill that them get a technical feel fpr utilizing the space available.

Next he moves to a 3v3 drill in which players must complete 3 passes before transitioning

In the final step of this sequence, he plays 6v6 with the playing area divided into four quadrants.

The players must move the ball to each quad in order to score.

Coach does a great job of explaining in the video below.

Please note that the Youtube video has sound so make sure your speakers are on.

Click the arrow to play the video

Take a look at the Free eBook provided courtesy of World Class Coaching

Ball Control and Dribbling (Free eBook)

Designing a Pressing Session

This post provided by World Class Coaching

In this video Coach Matt Carrol discusses the key concepts to consider when planning and designing a pressing session.

Coach Carrol stresses that before you start planning that you should begin with the end in mind and he suggests three questions you should ask yourself before you begin.

Where will you press

-Decide where your line of attack will be

What will be the intensity of the press

-Decide how many players will be involved

When will you re-group

-Decide at what point you will call off the press

In the video Coach Carroll offers drills that will assist you in building your session.

He designs his practice by building up in the following sequence: