Defensive positioning
To defend in a coordinate way is key for the defensive success. With only a few simple references you will achieve right habits in your players such as defensive balance, a right distance between lines or the coordination to move forward or backwards.
Numerical Superiority/Inferiority (4vs3, 3vs2, 2vs1,…)
To identify superiority and inferiority for a right and quick decision making both offensively and defensively is a really fun drill for all ages.
6v6+ 3 neutrals – Positional Game – Specific for MCs
Decision making mental speed. Sometimes, the only thing we need to create a good offensive play is to move one meter or to turn 45 degrees. This is a drill in small spaces with a high tactical demand and a lot of decisions to make.
Single Touch Finishing
One of the most important things when making a run to lose the defender and finishing is the right moment for making the run. With a simple rule, you will make your offensive players identify that moment in a drill which recreates a real situation.
Small Sided Game Pressure after losing possession
Small sided tactical game in which we will give an extra value to two key momentums of the game: When we lose the ball and when we win it back. The transition level of our players will hugely increase.
Different heights on the field in order to break lines
When winning the ball back, we take it out of a pressing zone, we reorganize and we try to break a defensive line. All of this with the need for a a good body shape to advance on the field.
Defense in middle block for interior passes
To defend the central lane is key, and, to orientate the rival so he can just play at the side generates an advantage in order to get the ball back.
Winning the ball back and play with the players on the rival´s side.
Once the ball is won back, the first option that all the coaches like is to try to move up the field and to try to benefit from the possibility of a defensive imbalance. Let’s practice it.
Interior play Positional Attack (FCB)
If you fill up the spaces in a rational way when attacking, then, you will be able to be more prepared to start the pressing when you lose the ball. This is a typical Guardiola drill, who likes the pressing after losing the ball and the positional organized attack.
Direct Attack: Final Minutes
Maybe your team just uses the direct style of play occasionally (e.g when losing in the last minutes of a game), but it is more than likely that your team will face teams that use it during most of the minutes. To practice it in the same proportion as it is played in your competition is both correct and necessary.