In the modern game defenders have to be skilful. They have
to be able to control the ball with one touch and they also
need the ability to be able to pass both long and short.
Of course it makes life simpler for any defender if he can
pass with either foot. It saves a lot of time adjusting the
body and also being adept with both feet does give any player
confidence.
Stage One
To begin, the back four players can start the day by passing
the ball around in an area with real concentration placed
on quick control, and accurate passing. No limits should be
put on the players, - the coach however insisting they change
positions on the field. It is a sort of warm-up for the next
practice.
Stage Two
The four defenders and a goalkeeper go on to the full size
pitch, into their positions with the goalkeeper somewhere
close to the penalty spot in his own penalty area (see diagram
1).
(a) (2) has possession, he plays to (5), (6) covers (dropping
deeper) slightly before he receives the ball from (5) at (62).
Once in control he passes forward to (3) who sets up an attack
on the left flank.
N.B. While the ball is being transferred across the
four defenders, the goalkeeper (G) alters his position across
the penalty area. Starting at (G1), but as the ball moves
from (5) to (62), so the goalkeeper moves to corner at (G2),
and finally on to (G3) once the ball has reached (3). By doing
this (G1) is always available for a back pass should any emergency
arise.
The whole basis of switching the play in defence revolves
around each defender, passing with the right weight on the
ball, good control, accurate distribution, and always being
aware of the cover should any error occur.
Stage Three
In diagram (2), the man in possession of the ball to start
is (2), this time slightly closer to his own penalty area.
He lays it back to (5), who plays a long diagonal pass (first
time if possible) to (3), who then sets up an attack.
(6) moves back again to (62) to act as cover to (5), but
the long pass to (3) cuts him out of the move. Once (3) starts
to progress, the other three defenders all move forward. Once
(5) passes to (3) - (6) moves across to (63) Goalkeeper (G)
again moves across to (G2) once the ball is on its way from
(5) to (3).
Stage Four
There are various permutations of the passing around defenders,
but once confidence has grown then more difficult practices
can be adopted.
For example (see diagram 3). (2) moves forward slightly to
(2a), before timing the ball back to (5), who hits it across
the field to (3), again cutting out (6) who initially covers
(5).
But (3) on receiving the ball decides to play the ball back
to (6) who has moved across to (62) - mainly to act as a covering
defender.
But as the ball comes back to him he then hits a long diagonal
pass to (2) who then sets up a right wing attack.
There are several coaching points to watch out for: -
(a) The timing and weight
of every pass is important (b) The first touch is crucial
for any player receiving the ball (c) Players should appreciate
when to pass first time, and when to add an extra touch on
the ball (d) The passing players has
to show he knows when to pass to a colleagues feet, or in
front of him (e) There should always be
some form of cover, the balance of the defence is crucial (f) The goalkeeper may not
get many touches on the ball but he is still a key player
in the practice moving across his area and making himself
available whenever needed for a back pass.
