Role of the Third Defender "Balance"

Introducing Balance into the Defensive Scheme

Purpose:	This session introduces the concept of the balance defenders; the third defenders. The balance defenders consist of anyone not in immediate pressure or cover of the ball (first or second defenders). This session will train a team in where to position themselves, what to think and how to respond to different situations. By the end the players will understand how to be connected and compact while at the same time able to mark all players in the attack.
Equipment:	Cones, pinnies, balls.
Progression:	Unrestricted: The session begins with simple dynamic stretching, warm ups and jogging to get the body going. It progresses to possession with all players to work on touch Restricted: The session moves into the three versus two game played in the second defenders session to reinforce the role of the first and second defenders. The game can also be the one versus one and one versus two game to reinforce the work of the first and second attackers One goal with counters: The game begins with two versus three to lines and advances to three versus three to lines. It is the same game as first and second attacker but it now builds in the role of the third defender; balance. Two goals:
Coaching Points:	All first defender points (esp. DO NOT CHASE THE BALL) All second defender points Balance the defense out Form a straight line with pressure and cover defenders Work as a unit Flatter means more pressure, steeper means less chance for the opponent to get behind with thru ball “See ball, see man” is the third defender rule Work together as a unit to force play; stay connected Be compact “see man, see ball” (without turning head!) Look for unbalancing runs, track with runners if needed Do not be split Do not let the ball behind the defense. As the ball reverses the defense should as well (slide together) Remember the P’s “pressure, patience” Read the passes; head down usually means a short pass, head up with weight back usually means a chip

THE SESSION

Activity	Setup
Two team possession Play in a large grid Use a standard warm up of dynamic stretching, jogging and so forth. Play possession to get touches and to be ready to play Coaching Points: Play should be quick and aggressive Defensively players should work together in at least pairs to force play

3v2 Possession Play in a 10x12 yard grid. Three attackers versus two defenders Attackers try to keep possession by moving and finding angles of support. The goal of the game is to not be split. If defense wins, give back to attacking team. Defenders are passive; full speed but no tacking. Can only win if a pass is made at them. Instead work on forcing the play by working together Coaching Points: Curve your run to force the play Cover, spin away to take away thru ball Be far enough away to not be split but not too far away as to be split on a pass Reinforce all first and second defender points

2 v 3 to lines in a 30 x 15 Same as second defender game but now with 3 defenders Red play ball in to blue. Blue receive and attack Make it take it. New blue attacks new Red If Red wins, turn away and play back to red Attacker who lost ball is now defender Progress to 3v3 in a 35 x 25 Progress to: playing to large goal in 35 x 25 and a counter goal; first 2v3, then 3v3 Coaching Points: All first defender points (esp. DO NOT CHASE THE BALL) All second defender points Balance the defense out Form a straight line with pressure and cover defenders Work as a unit A flatter line means more pressure but more risk of gettin split. A steeper line means less chance for the opponent to get behind with thru balls “see ball, see man” is the third defender rule


4v4 +2 T's to three goals Play in a 45 x 35 Four versus four plus two servers Essentially game is six versus four with two Targets working with the attacking team. Coaching Points All first and second defender points Work together as a unit to force play; stay connected Be compact “see man, see ball” (without turning head!) Look for unbalancing runs, track with runners if needed Do not be split Do not let the ball behind the defense. As the ball reverses the defense should as well (slide together) Remember the P’s “pressure, patience” Read the passes; head down usually means a short pass, head up with weight back usually means a chip
6v6 in half field. Use an off sides line in the middle Play a 4-2 Red – to score find Fwd- lay back to a defender Blue– just score. Coaching Points Coach red on D Step when ball is played back Drop as a ball is about to be served to stay with runners. Balance by working together in lines Drop on back ball, its getting served. CP- you go as the ball goes. (see man see ball) Understand how to use the offsides line to keep the attackers from the goal..
End with 8v8 . Play in 65 x 80 yard grid.