Put an attacker with a ball on one of the long sides of the area, jogging from side to side.
Put two defenders about 4m apart on the opposite side of the area, facing away from the attacker.
When you shout “turn”, the defenders turn around and run into the area towards the attacker. At the same time, the attacker runs into the area and aims to run across to the opposite side without being tagged by the defenders.
Develop by starting the attacker further forward, or even having two attackers, so defenders have to first identify the ball carrier and then close him down.
What you say
“Move together towards a target”
How many players do I need?
This activity requires three players at a time, but you can have attackers and defenders lined up ready to take their turn.
Build a defence ethic by defending in threes and fours. Players will have to cover narrow and wide spaces, improving their tackling and communication. MORE
“The defender keeps themselves light on their feet, head up and marking a potential break, coming forward to close down an attacker when they move forward” MORE
Any defensive system needs to time to work on. It should also be simple and understood by the rest of the team. But you can still have a blitz system if you concentrate on the right principles. MORE
Individual defenders have to react quickly to changes in potential ball carriers. This session develops a defender’s ability to slide on to the ball carrier, sometimes at the last moment. MORE