DEFENDING PRINCIPLES
Erik Oman Academy Executive Director | Washington Premier League
1. BIRD DOGS AND HUNTERS- TAG IN PAIRS
Area: 20x20 Where on the Field? Midfield Players: 16- Four pairs and 8 free players Objectives: Learning to defend together in pairs. Communication and patience to limit options and corner attacking players.
Description: Four pairs each designate one player as the“ Bird Dog”( pressure) and one player as the“ Hunter”( cover). Eight players are“ Free Birds” who are dribbling a ball and trying to avoid being tagged by the hunters. Hunters try to tag free birds on the back or shoulder( NO KICKING AWAY THE BALL) and may only tag free birds who are being chased / herded by their bird dog. If free birds get tagged, they must do 10 taps on top of the ball and then return to play. Hunters keep score with each free bird that they tag.
Progressions / Variations: Every minute, change which player is the Bird Dog and which player is the Hunter. Rotate Free Birds to become Bird Dogs and Hunters. Change the size of the grid( bigger to make it more difficult or smaller to make it easier) if needed.
Coaching Points: Patience to herd the free birds to a space where the hunter can corner and tag- don’ t just chase! Patience and planning first, then quick capture. Communication from the hunter to the bird dog about where they want to force the ball to go.“ Bring it to me,”“ Force it into the corner,”“ Keep it on the line,” etc.
2. 2V2 FLYING CHANGES TO SMALL GOALS
Area: 2 fields of 15 x 25 yards with 2 yards between them Where on the Field? Defending third Players: 4 teams of 4 players- 2v2 on each field with 2 players on each end line Objectives: Prioritizing defending the ball and the line between the ball and goal with two defenders, rather than manmarking. Immediate pressure on the ball and cover behind. Make the 2v2 into a 2v1 by limiting options for the ball.
Description: Each field starts 2v2, with 2 players for each team waiting on their own defending end line with a ball. Any ball over the end line( goal or missed shot) results in an immediate transition with two new players coming on from that end line with a ball, replacing the two who were defending that end line. Immediate transition to defending is important for the two who were just attacking.
Progressions / Variations: Play for 5 minutes, keep score and then change opponents( winning team from each field plays on“ Championship field”) and losing teams play on the other field. Between games have players change who they are paired with in the 2v2.
Coaching Points: Pressure on the ball must come first- if in doubt, get it done! Cover = defending the line between the ball and the goal. Cover player must be able to defend the goal if pressure is beaten. Immediate transition from cover to pressure the instant pressure is beaten. Immediate recovery to cover if you are no longer able to pressure the ball.
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