At every World Cup so far, the winning team has conceded the fewest tries per game over the tournament. Defence is all about teamwork and trust. It needs to be worked on in almost every training session. An effective defence is a simple defence, and nothing could be simpler and more effective than “Magic 3s”.
At every World Cup so far, the winning team has conceded the fewest tries per game over the tournament. Defence is all about teamwork and trust. It needs to be worked on in almost every training session. An effective defence is a simple defence, and nothing could be simpler and more effective than “Magic 3s”.
Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7-10
What to think about
Defending in threes should help your players to understand the importance of working together in defence.
Emphasise that each defender talks to the players on either side of him. He must make sure he knows who he is tackling and who the players on either side of him are tackling. He then doesn’t need to worry about anyone else.
By simplifying defence like this, players each have a defined specific role to execute within a team of three. The teams of three can then be built up across the pitch to construct a very efficient defensive system.
set-up
Keep your spacing constant as you move around.
Be aware of the defenders on either side of you.
Communicate constantly with the players on each side.
What you get your players to do
Start three defenders between two cones facing you. Direct them left, right, forward and back using hand signals. The defenders have to move together and keep the space between them the same at all times.
After about 15 seconds move the players back between the two cones to check they have kept their spacings. Players should be watching you carefully and reacting to the changes immediately.
Three players move in the directions indicated before returning to the cones to check their spacing.
Development
The middle player faces you while the outside players face away. The middle player has to communicate all the changes of direction.
Put three attackers opposite the three defenders (see the middle picture). You tell the three attackers to move left and right. They move forward when told and the defenders have to stay opposite them and make tackles when you signal the attackers to come forward.
Related Files
Core-120-magic-3s.pdfPDF, 280 KB
The attackers move left and right on your signal and then move forward. The defenders stay opposite their man at all times.
Game situation
Put three defenders in a square to defend against four attackers. They start from one side of the square and aim to attack towards the opposite side. When the attackers score or are stopped you shout “CHANGE”.
The defenders switch round and realign to defend against an attack from another side of the square. The same team defend for one minute and then swap over. Give the defence one point for each attack stopped.
Give the three defenders a count of three to reorganise before the next attack starts.
What to call out
“Heads up and look forward”
“Stay on the balls of your feet to change direction quickly”
Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is the assistant coach with University of Bristol Women's team and is a coach mentor for Broad Plain RFC mini and juniors section.
He was Head Coach of Swansea Schools U15 and has previously held coaching roles with the Young Ospreys Academy and as Assistant Coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup. He was director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. P...
Register now to get a free eBook worth £10
Get this brilliant ebook worth £10 for FREE when you register now
The fly half (10) has a controlling position to launch his team away from the opposition and into open spaces. He needs to be comfortable ...
Newsletter Sign Up
Join over 75k coaches that are saving time searching for fresh coaching ideas with our free email newsletter: ✔ New drills ✔ New games ✔ New warm-ups. Delivered direct to your email inbox
"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."
Subscribe Today
Since 2006, we’ve helped tens of thousands of coaches just like you build strong teams and deliver effective and inspiring training sessions, week-in, week-out.
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach. ALL the support you need to become a great Youth Soccer coach: ✓ Proven, practical coaching advice
✓ Hundreds of ready-to-use drills and full-session practice plans
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
Part of Green Star Media Ltd. Company number: 3008779
We use cookies so we can provide you with the best online experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click on the banner to find out more.