Training Defenders in the role of Recovery "Balance"

Introducing Balance into the Defensive Scheme

Purpose:	The purpose of this session is to train all players in the role of recovery. By the end of the session the players will understand what to do when beaten; immediate chase and pressure, or delay and recover straight back as the other defenders step and delay.
Equipment:	Cones, pinnies, balls.
Progression:	Unrestricted: Static or Dynamic stretching. Form Running. Restricted: The game is one versus one with a recovery defender. As the ball is played in by the coach the defender has to decide if he can step and pressure immediately or if it is better to recover and let the other defender step. The decision is based on distance from the ball One goal with counters: The game is similar to the one above but numbers get larger and are played to a large goal. The game progress from one versus one plus recovery to two versus one plus recovery to three versus two plus recovery defender. Two goals: The session ends with five versus five to large goals. The emphasis is on playing zonal defense and recovering when beaten.
Coaching Points:	When beaten can the defender step immediately and get pressure If not recover straight back, let the second defender step Second defender must delay until first defender recovers Work as a unit Stay compact Communicate while recovering Be aggressive when numbers are up in the defense All points of first, second and third defenders are appropriate

THE SESSION

Activity	Setup
Warm up Pair up with partners facing each othe Play ball through partners legs He turns and dribble to endline while passer tries to get around and prevent a breakaway. Coaching Points: Use a proper angle to cut the defender off. Recover Get behind ball and force one direction

1v1 + recovery defender Coach plays ball into attacking red player Player is trying to dribble to endline to score. When defense wins counterattack to small goal All players can move when ball is played in by the coach Vary up where the ball is played. Sometimes near the defender, sometimes closer to the coach. Coaching Points: If the first defender is near enough he should step and pressure ball, second defender slides into cover (left diagram If the nearest defender cannot get to the ball quickly he should recover straight back as the second defender steps to pressure	Immediate Pressure	Recovery

2v1 plus recovery defender Play to large goal in 25x15 Same as above but to large goal Defender plays ball into the attacker Recovery defenders starts next to attackers. Defender can move after reds first touch Play to either red player. Progress to 2v1 plus recovery Progress to 3v2 plus recovery (shown to right) Counter attack to opposite lines for a point Coaching Points: “can you get immediate pressure?” if not immediate pressure, recover straight back. Work together as a unit; if the defender is recovering, then delay until he recovers.

5v5 to large goal in a 45 x 40 Play a 3-2 (3 defenders, 2 Forwards) The ball always starts with keeper Be aggressive in the attack Coaching Points When beaten: Can you pressure immediately or Recover straight back as second defender steps Reestablish defensive unit quickly Communicate once recovered\ Work as a unit to pressure Delay when defense has numbers down Be aggressive when defense has numbers up	Show here is a forward who is beaten. The second forward steps and the first forward recovers to cover for his partner who has stepped to the ball.