Role of the First Defender #2 "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 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 1v1 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 targets with players focused on the forced curve run to force play in one direction. Players not in are watching/learning and every score is punishment reward for the whole team, not just the players involved. Two goals: The session ends with four versus four 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 players to 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 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

1v1 in a 10x12 The game is one versus one to endlines Each player defends an endline. When ball is lost switch roles; play is continuous. Two points for a nutmeg, one point for getting to the endline. Coaching Points: Be aggressive Jockey with the attacker but don’t overcommit Force one direction, keep good balance

1 v 1 to lines in a 30 x 10 Coach plays ball in. Either player can win it Player who wins dribbles past defender and turns to go at the defender Player who does not win is the defender, they get behind and then defend in role of first defender Play to the targets on either side of the grid. Play to targets (a ball on a cone is a good target) Score each small game to make competitive and to keep interest among those watching 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

4v4 to large goals Play in a 35 x 25 Play a 3-1, 3 defenders, 1 forward Ecourage the outsides aggressive attackers to be agressive 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. ribble vs when to engage then pass