one practice i have started with my u8's is an area about 7mx 2.5m with a halfway line.goal each end
1v1 the attacker has to dribble up to the line whilst the defender jockey's, angling their body shape.
once the attacker gets to the half way line they have to try to score in the goal at the end.
The defender can then choose the best time to intercept.
Hopefully this makes players think how can they effect the attackers direction of play, how they can manipulate that direction to make a good interception from a mistake.
From an attacking point can they get there body between the defender for a good shooting opportunity, can they be decisive in their attack, can they strike quick
I coach U6 team. Reasonable body shape, recognize the timing to interrupt,( when the attacker shows his back, when the ball leaves attacker’s feet, when the attacker take a bad first touch,etc.) , those are player’s decision-making. Use their back to block and encourage body conflict.
The kids feel fun like an American Captain to shield, and also can develop their defensive skill.
Where I work we coach "Quick, Slow and Low". Use pace in initial approach, slow down as you get nearer the player, then get side on, on to toes in a crouch and side on. Use an arm to measure distance. Players are encouraged to stab a foot out if they see a trigger such as bad touch or attempt at a pass. This often leads to interceptions. Easy to repeat 1v1. I get the defending player to pass the ball to the attacking player and then begin their approach.
Lee Cooper, Xin and Richard Lewis thanks for your replies! These are all great ideas! Do you have any progressions for them or find they are at the right difficulty level?
The practice can move on to a 2v1, the same process but when the 2 attackers get to the half way line the defender can try to cut the passing line out whilst trying to edge the player with the ball away from danger, and choosing an opportunity to steal the ball.
The spare attacker can also work on finding space and timing thier movement to recieve a pass
Same did like Lee did, I recently progress to a 2v1 session. The player can use the defensive principles to cut the passing line and give more aggressive defense while the attacker back to them. Although my players are so young. I told them use the position wisely, and both use the legs and shoulders.
I also coach a U13 team. We always play defense as a group, deny, press, compact the space, and find the route to create counterattack when win the ball back. I don’t like to train tackle, like Pep. Hahaha~
the only thing im doing with this practice, is setting them up in each corner of the pitch and in the centre circle, hopefully this works on how different sides and areas of the pitch dictate where you direct the ball for saftey. I also explain how game relevant it can be
simple target player or end zone games (can adjust numbers depending on age), whereby players score by passing it a target player or end zone to score. Can then talk about players scanning for opposition players behind them, whilst also being in a position to intercept a lose pass or touch in front of them
