Teaching 1st Defender without Opposition

This soccer defending drill is great for teaching young players how to defend when they are the closest player to the opponent with the ball. 

Teaching 1st Defender without Opposition
 

Drill Objective:

This soccer defending drill is great for teaching young players how to defend when they are the closest player to the opponent with the ball.

Drill Setup:

• You will need the attacking third of a field with a full size goal.
• Split the team into two groups of defenders who start on both sides of the goal.
• Two attacking players are positioned outside the penalty area on both sides of the field, with a ball.

Drill Instructions:

1. On the coaches command the first defender from each line closes down the attacker.
2. You should focus on a fast, controlled approach while positioning their body between the ball and the middle of the goal.
3. Let every player go 4-5 times or until they are comfortable with approaching the attacker.

Drill Coaching Points:

• Fast, Controlled approach
• Get body positioned between the goal and the ball.

Drill Variations

Have the defenders pass the ball to the attacker and focus on the same items above.