⚽️ Defend the Goal | 19-P13

Here we have an advanced lead practice that focuses on developing the defensive units compactness and ability to defend wide deliveries. The objective is for each attacking team's midfielder to touch the ball before playing to the striker, who can pass wide to the wingers or set the ball for the midfielder to play to the wingers. As this is taking place, the two wingers and full backs will play one touch passes between them until the ball is played wide, triggering the 4 v 4 attack. The winger must try beat their fullback and deliver the ball into the area to finish. When the defenders win possession, their goal is to combine and finish in either mini goal! 💪⚽️

🔥 Dribbling, Passing & Agility Activation | WU-31

This technical warmup practice is used to activate players for the upcoming session. We will setup a circuit using poles, cones and rings, which will help develop our players dribbling, agility and passing. Close control when dribbling through the polls & cones, correct form when hopping/jumping through the rings and timing of movements are key to maintaining the flow of this practice. 💪⚽️

⚽️ Defensive Pressing & Covering | 19-P4

In this practice, we will focus on developing technical pressing and defensive covering techniques when working as a pair. Two players will work together, either pressing the ball or providing cover on the mannequin depending on the position of the ball. Getting tight as quick as possible and moving into the covering position as quickly as possible after the pass is made are key in this practice! ⚽️

🔥 Press to Force Direction | 19-P9

This functional game can be used on a Thursday as part of a Matchday -2: Speed of Play training day. The objective is for the defensive team to remain compact and press to force the attackers to one side of the area, creating opportunities to win possession. If the defenders win the ball, they must combine and finish past the goalkeeper. Identify pressing triggers, defending the mini goals and communicating effectively are key coaching points in this one! 🫡⚽️

🔥 Defend and Break out to Counter | 27-P13

This Phase 5 practice focuses on organised defending and triggering quick counters after winning possession. We have three stations running simultaneously in this practice, 1 physical, 1 skill + physical and the main 5 v 5 attack v defence game. Once the defenders win possession, they must play out to either fullbacks or the striker to trigger the 5 v 3 counter attack. Organise and force play to one side to create regain opportunities and get compact to force mistakes are key to succeeding in this one! 💪⚽️

🚨 Upcoming Practices 🚨

Hi Everyone! Don't forget to check your calendar for updates on which practices are coming up and where they can fit into your training plan. 🤝

Just Released: Defend and Break out to Counter | 27-P13

Tomorrow: Press to Force Direction | 19-P9

Friday: Defensive Pressing & Covering | 19-P4

Get ahead by having a look at what's coming next week, with our focus turning to Phase 6: Defend the Goal practices. 🙌

⚽️ Compact Defending to Win Possession | 35-P2

Staying compact as a unit is the first step to stopping opposition penetration into dangerous areas. This Phase 5 practice focuses on the midfield fours ability to stay tight, force direction, win possession and combine to finish. The defending team have two options when possession is won: 1. Finish within 5 seconds or 2. Keep possession and combine with the floater to finish.  We have added 2 progressions to further test your defensives players shape in this practice. 🙌

⚽️🔥 Passing & Dribbling Activation | WU-30

It's time to activate your players passing and dribbling in this warmup practice. Working in pairs, players will play one touch passes between the poles before passing across to the next pair to start their run through the circuit. We will progress this to get our players dribbling between the poles individually, ensuring they are ready for the session ahead.💪⚽️

🔥 Developing the Counter Attack | 16-P9

Let's take a look at how to develop quick counter attacks and defensive recovery runs. There are two phases of play to this practice. The first phase involves a quick 2 player attack to finish past the goalkeeper. The second phase of this practice starts as soon as the first ends, with the coach playing the ball to the goalkeeper to trigger the counter attack. Speed of play, decision-making and quality on the ball are key to getting the most out of this practice! 💪⚽️