Training the Defensive Block on the use of Offside Space

How to press to restrict the opponents attacking space

Purpose:	The purpose of this session is to introduce the concept of pressing the opponent when playing defense. In a zonal or man system the opportunities of the opponent are greatly reduced the further they are away from the goal. This session will focus on the movement of the defense as a unit. By the time they are done they will understand when to press and when to hold, how to step as a unit and how to prevent the opponent from getting in behind the defense.
Equipment:	Cones, pinnies, balls.
Progression:	Unrestricted: Basic warm up. Passing, moving, small sided possession games. Restricted: The game is eight versus five with the four fullbacks working with a target forward. They play against eight and the focus is on the back for pressing while stepping as a cohesive unit One goal with counters: The game becomes eight versus eight with the four fullbacks restricted to one half and the forward restricted to one half. Again the focus remains on playing and stepping as a unit to pull the defense offside. Two goals: 11 v 11
Coaching Points:	Central fullbacks are the leaders Keep the two outside fullbacks just a little in front of the central fullbacks Central fullbacks – keep head on a swivel continually checking on the outside backs. On a negative ball step and press On a square ball step and press No offside on throws so be ball side/ goal side. On negative pass after a throw, step as a unit. Back four move as a unit in pressure cover balance Step as a unit on negative and square balls. On the attack – step with the pass to restrict the opponents attacking space – if a turnover space has been taken away from the attacking team. Use non verbal cues “Be Urgent” when pressing to restrict space Midfielders – apply pressure early to prevent serves over the top. Find the runners if the serve is on and track with them When the opponent looks then puts head down he is looking to serve – pressure must be immediate.

THE SESSION

Activity	Setup
8v5 in a 70 x50 Training the blue team The game is possession with no goals. 4 fullbacks +1 Forward make up the team of 6 3 fullbacks, 3 midfielders, 2 forwards make up the team of 8 When blue wins they find the target for a point Red gets a point for playing a ball to the keeper on the ground. Play offsides Coaching Points: Central fullbacks are the leaders Keep the two outsides just a little in front Central fullbacks – keep head on a swivel continually checking on the outside backs. On a negative ball “step” On a square ball, “step” No offside on throws so be ball side/ goal side. On negative pass after a throw, step as a unit.	Pass 1 finds the forward who can’t turn. He plays negative to the central midfielder (2) “ Step!!” as a unit. Blue steps on the negative pass by red leaving the two forwards offside

8v8 + K’s in an 80 x 50 Blues fullbacks are restricted to defensive half. Blue Midfielders- defend and attack and play the whole field. Blue Forwards – restricted to their half. Red – no restrictions Coaching Points: Back four move as a unit in pressure cover balance Step as a unit on negative and square balls. On the attack – step with the pass to restrict the opponents attacking space-if a turnover space has been taken away from the attacking team. Use non verbal cues “Be Urgent” when pressing to restrict space	Red attacks with the dribble, plays a negative ball back to the checking forward. Blue-step to take away space

End with 8v8 No restrictions Apply offside trap for both teams get out Coaching Points Midfielders – apply pressure early to prevent serves over the top. Find the runners if the serve is on and track with them When the opponent looks then puts head down he is looking to serve – pressure must be immediate.