Grassroots Coaching

Defend and save your country

An enjoyable and fun game that encourages players pass and move skills and also provides opportunities for individual and team defending.

Organisation

  • Area 35 x 25 yards, split into 3 x 15 x 25 yard zones – adjust area size to suit the numbers, players ages and abilities
  • 8 – 12 players split into two teams.
  • Position a team in each end zone.
  • Number the players in each team
  • Each team has a ball
  • Supply of balls with the coach

Defending

Start

  • On the coaches call the ball starts with player 1, who passes to player 2, to player 3 and so on
  • Both teams playing at the same time

2. start

Pass in numbered order

  • The players must pass in a sequential order: 1 – 2: 2 – 3 etc
  • The ball and the players must remain in the end zone.

3. PASS IN SEQUENCE

Progression 1

  • The coach calls a number – 4
  • The players with that number must immediately sprint from their zone, across the middle zone and into the opposition zone to defend their country
  • The players with the ball must try and keep the ball away from the defenders.
  • They don’t have to pass in sequential order when their country is invaded
  • The first defender to touch or win the ball gains a point.
  • First team to 5 or 10 points win.
  • After the ball is won, players return to their zone and the game is repeated

4. PROGRESSION 1

Progression 2

  • The coach calls 2 or 3 numbers.
  • The players with those numbers must immediately sprint from their zone, across the middle zone and into the opposition zone to defend their country
  • The players with the ball must try and keep the ball away from the defenders.
  • They don’t have to pass in sequential order when their country is invaded
  • The first defender to touch or win the ball gains a point.
  • First team to 5 or 10 points win.
  • After the ball is won, players return to their zone and the game is repeated

5. PROGRESSION 2

Top tips for passing and support

  • Players to play with their heads up and “picture the pass” before passing
  • Accurate passing
  • Movement from the players off the ball to create space and support the player with the ball
  • Pass the ball to players who don’t have a defender near them
  • Good communication between players

Top tips for defending

  • Run quickly as the ball is moving
  • Be aggressive, but patient and disciplined. Stay on your feet
  • Try and intercept or win the ball on bad control or a poor pass

6. TOP TIPS

Posted in
Attacking Sessions Defending Sessions