Pressure, Cover, Balance

Teach three defenders to work as one shape: first defender pressures, second covers at an angle behind, third balances across to protect the far side.

25x30 yard area with a small goal at one end and a 5-yard cone gate at the other. Three attackers start at the gate end with the ball; three defenders start in front of the goal. Spare players wait behind the goal.

1. Attackers try to score in the small goal. Defenders try to win the ball and dribble through the far gate.
2. The coach shouts 'Freeze!' at any moment. The defenders must be in a triangle: pressure on the ball, cover 3 to 5 yards behind at an angle, balance across the far side.
3. A good triangle at the freeze earns the defenders a point; a flat line or a bunched pair loses one.
4. When the ball moves, the roles switch: whoever is nearest becomes pressure and the others slide.
5. Rotate the trios every 3 minutes. First trio to 5 points as defenders wins.

• First defender: close the ball and slow the attack.
• Second defender: behind and to the side, ready to take the dribbler.
• Third defender: tuck in and see both the ball and the far attacker.
• When the ball moves, the triangle moves with it.

• All three defenders go to the ball; only the nearest presses, the others hold their distance.
• The cover defender stands directly behind the presser and is beaten by the same move; cover is at an angle, on the open side.
• The balance defender ball-watches and loses the far attacker; head on a swivel, one eye on the ball and one on the runner.

• Add a fourth attacker for a 4v3.
• Remove the freeze; defenders must hold the shape at full speed.
• Defenders must win the ball and score in a second small goal.

• Attackers play at walking pace for the first round.
• Coach places cones where cover and balance should stand on the first few freezes.
• Play 2v2 with pressure and cover only.

• Defenders may not tackle until the coach has confirmed the triangle at least once in the rep.