Level 2 final assessment

[stevethefootycoach]

Am about to do my final assessment level 2 on the above subject and would just like some general pointers on delivering my subject please. 

On technical, I will start using 1v1 concentrating on angle and speed of approach and shape. Then go to 1v2 trying to get the second defender to follow shape of first defender and to communicate to influence the collective defending, show him line, inside, get tight etc.

On skills I will move to 3v3 one side attacking the other defending, thus bring a third player into the defensive organisation, coaching squeezing play. Getting tight and communication leading to good team work.

SSG will be 4v4 one goal for attackers to score in and end zone for defenders to pass into. I will use one keeper and one receiver at the end zone. Attackers 121 Defenders 211. I will also intend to coach the keeper to sweep. 

Any thoughts would be gratefully received. David

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[stevethefootycoach]

Bill's answer

Hi David
 
Having looked at your ideas I have to say you have things very well planned. Your progression will give you the opportunity to coach all of the major coaching points on roles of the defenders - pressure, cover and balance.
 
I would encourage you to have a look over the relevant Technical Syllabus files in Premium. Be content to communicate your points gradually as you go through your session, coach what you see and don't be tempted to force things to happen. Your candidates will give you plenty to coach.
 
From experience some of the most common defensive errors that you will observe in your session are likely to be...
 
First defender not getting tight enough - In a real game situation this allows the player on the ball to make a through pass beyond the defender. We need to keep the opposition playing in front of the defence
 
First defender diving in, defenders need to balance aggression and determination with patience.
 
Half-hearted efforts by first defenders to "show" the player on the ball inside or out. Usually the 1st defenders have to be content that they will not actually win the ball if they are going to "show" the attacker towards the line or towards their supporting defender. Often they end up doing neither.
 
Lack of good communication by second defender - never under-estimate how important this is.
 
And very important, if the player on the ball makes a pass to their supporting attacker it is VITAL that eh 1st defender drops off instantly to cover space and support their team mate who should have stepped up quickly to press the ball.
 
There are plenty more but these things come up every time unless you have an especially talented group; make sure by the way you select your participants that you don't!
 
One last thing that I always find helpful, remember that football is a game of opposites, what is good for attackers is bad for defenders and vice-versa. So try to get your defenders to see the game from the point of view of their opponents. Use Q & A to help them see how they can make better decisions and make their opponents life more difficult.
 
Good luck, by the sounds of your plan you will do fine, please let us know how it goes.
 
Yours in sport
 
Bill Blyth