1. Technical Drill: Dribbling
DS Defending
Technical Drill: Dribbling
Players dribble from one square to another either in front or to the side, but not diagonally
Can only dribble a maximum of 2 squares in a row before changing direction
Coach calls out different techniques (eg. turns/feints/exchange balls with another player)
Coaching Points
Dribble with laces
As many touches as possible
Change directions quickly
Practice different turns (eg. outside of foot/Cryuff)
Practice feints (eg. shoulder dip/step over)
Quick feet!

2. DS Defending
Defensive Transition
Two equal teams, one team in possession, the other trying to get the ball
Max 5v5. With more players, use a 30 second sub
Team 1 scores by making 3 passes
When team 2 regains possession, they try to score in the pugs, but team 1’s objective is to press quickly to try to win the ball back
Use the term “hunt” for the team trying to regain the ball
Switch teams half way through the station
Coaching Points
When losing possession, defending team to get hunt the ball aggressively.
When we lose the ball: Hunt Together!
First defender to close down player with the ball early
- Speed of approach
Angle of approach: Decide which way to force
attacking player to go
- Keep eyes on the ball
- Stay on toes
Close down, Slow down, Eyes down!

3. DS Defending
1v1
Offensive player brings the ball out as soon as ball goes into net or out of play. Previous offensive player becomes defender. Previous defender fetches ball.
Use side by side fields for larger groups
Coaching points
- Speed of approach
- Angle of approach: Decide which way to force attacking player to go
- Keep eyes on the ball
- Stay on toes
Close down, Slow down, Eyes down!

4. DS Defending
2v2 Continuous
Offensive players brings the ball out as soon as ball goes into net or out of play. Players who just scored or shot the ball immediately become defenders. Previous defenders fetch the ball and get back in line.
Use side by side fields for larger groups
Coaching points
- Decide who is 1st defender and 2nd defender
- Speed of approach
- Angle of approach: Decide which way to force attacking player to go
- Keep eyes on the ball
- Stay on toes
Close down, Slow down, Eyes down!
For older groups, coach 2nd defender (2nd week)
- 2nd defender protects against dribble past first defender
Takes position on side of other attacker
Goal side, ball side