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Long balls over the top of defences can be difficult to deal with for teams that do not train for the long ball coming in. Make sure your players understand about not letting the ball bounce and reacting quickly when the opposition kick and press
Coaching Objectives
- Covering the player who deals with the long ball is an important aspect of this activity.
- Always know where the ball is and player they are marking
- Position the body sideways so reaction speed is faster
- Be on balls of feet so reaction also quicker
- Use defensive feints to trouble the attacker and cause mistakes
- When attacker is close eyes on ball not on player
- Don't jump in and make it easier for the attacker
- If beaten by the attacker's skill sprint to the goal to defend it
- The defence must keep their lines tight and narrow so as not to get beaten.
- It is very important that defenders win the second ball after an attacking player shoots on goal.
- Be ready for quick transition if the ball is won
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 16 Players
- 2 Goals
- 5 Bibs
- 40 x 50 y
What the Players Do
One team of 7 defends the long ball with four at the back and three in the other half of the pitch facing a midfield 3 and 2 attackers. Play starts with a long ball from one of the servers into the…Continue Reading For Free
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