Soccer Middle Zone w Defenders Training Drill
Setup
- middle zone 2-5yds deep
- cones to mark off area
- each dribbler with a ball
- pinnies
- 10 min
Rules & Objectives
- objective is to dribble across middle zone without losing the ball
- each time a defender wins the ball his group awarded a point
- switch group of defenders every 2 minutes
- group of defenders with the most points wins
Variations
- vary number of defenders
- defenders are awarded a point as soon as an attacker's ball leaves the grid
- adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group if necessary
Coaching Points
- Attacking: agility and balance
- Attacking: deception
- Attacking: set up defender
- Attacking: change of speed &direction
- Attacking: protect the ball
- Attacking: vision
- Attacking: close control
- Attacking: attack open space
- Defending: body shape, balance, and foot positioning
- Defending: timing and decision to tackle
