Pressure and Cover 2v2

Objective

• Defend as a pair — one presses the ball, one covers the space behind

Set-up and how it runs

• A twenty-by-fifteen-yard channel with a mini goal at one end. Two defenders start on the goal line; two attackers start at the far end with a ball.
• A defender plays the ball out to the attackers and both defenders step out to meet them. The attackers try to score in the mini goal.
• If the defenders win it, they dribble over the far end line for a point. If the attackers score or the ball goes out, reset.
• After three balls the pairs swap roles. Play best of six.
• Beginner rule: attackers must make two passes before they can shoot, so the defenders have time to set.

Equipment

• 4 cones
• 1 mini goal per channel
• Balls
• Bibs

Coaching points

• First defender: close the ball down fast, then slow down for the last two yards and get side-on
• Second defender: drop five yards behind and inside — cover the space, not the player
• Talk: 'I've got ball' and 'I've got cover' before the attack starts
• When the ball is passed, the roles swap — the covering defender presses, the presser drops

Progressions

• Remove the two-pass rule
• Add a third attacker (2v3) so the cover has to pick the biggest danger
• Defenders must win it and score in a mini goal at the far end to count

What it develops

Technical

1v1 defending

Psychosocial

Communication

Tactical

Defending principles