This unit covers defending, challenging, and interception (DCI) in soccer. The three learning outcomes are individual, small group and team defending; blocking shots and passes to gain possession; and sliding tackles to gain possession. Effective DCI requires making up ground as the ball travels, slowing down the attacker's first touch, preventing them from turning or passing forward, being patient and staying on your feet. When defending in pairs, the nearest player marks the ball while communicating with their partner about supporting distance, angles of support, and maintaining balance and cover.

1. Topic: Defending, Challenging and Interception (DCI)
Unit aim
This unit will help with defending, challenging and interception. It will include
the different ways to defend, challenge and intercept. When, where and how
to DCI.
Learning outcomes
There are three learning outcomes to this unit. The learner will be able to:
1.Individual defending, small group defending, team defending
2.Blocking shots and passes to gain possession or deter
3.Sliding tackles to gain possession or deter
4.Tracking and recovery runs, who, when and where
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

2. John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

3. Group Task 1
• In groups discuss what you already know about defending, challenging
and interception
• Record it on flip charts or your note books
• Give examples of players who have are the best defenders in the world
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

4. Art of Defending by Maldini
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

5. Group Task 2
• Record all technical information for defending, challenging and
interception
• Where possible try to put this in a logical order for coaching players
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

6. FA Technical Detail
• Make up ground as ball is travelling
• Slow down on attackers 1st touch
• Prevent attacker turning or playing forward
• If turned, adopt a side on position – predictability
• Be patient, stay on feet
• Good body shape.
• Decision
Defending in Pairs
•Nearest person to ball
•Communication to each other
•Supporting distance
•Angles of support
•Marking man
•Balance and cover
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

7. Listen, don’t just
‘hear’........
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

8. Group Task 3
• Imagine you are a technical team of coaches
• Your task it to design a technical practice (unopposed) coaching session
moving into a skill practice (opposed)
• Once you have completed this you will need to present it to the
technical director for feedback
• Think of the players, space, equipment needs.
• The session should last 20 minutes
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

9. Session Plan Defending 2v2 3v3
Organisation
• Area of 20x20 (2v2),30x30 (3v3)
• Blues play to end reds who attack the end line of
area to score .blues defends the end line and try
to win the ball. Progress to blues can score on
winning the ball
• Alternate players
Servers can be used to feed ball from the ends
Key factors
Defending in Pairs
• Nearest person to ball
• Communication to each other
• Supporting distance
• Angles of support
• Marking man
• Balance and cover
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

10. Four Corner Model
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

11. Group Task 4
• As part of the FA’s Long Term Player Development coaches are
encouraged to help players develop in the four corners of development
• Discuss and record some of the areas you as coaches would like to
develop in each corner
• Physical
• Technical
• Social
• Psychological
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

12. Outcome of Four Corner Model
Technical
•Role of 1st defender
•Pressure, Cover & Support
Psychological
•Decision Making, when and
where
•Awareness
Physical
•Body Position
•Balance
Social
•Communication
•Enjoyment
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

13. Summary
• Make up ground as ball is travelling
• Slow down on attackers 1st touch
• Prevent attacker turning or playing forward
• Be patient, stay on feet
Defending in Pairs
•Nearest person to ball
•Communication to each other
•Supporting distance
•Angles of support
•Marking man
•Balance and cover
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A