This unit covers the principles of defending, including individual, small group, and team defending. It aims to teach when, where, and how to defend, such as blocking shots, sliding tackles, and tracking recovery runs. A sample coaching session is outlined that focuses on defending in pairs in 2v2 and 3v3 drills, emphasizing communication, supporting distance, angles of support, and balance.

1. Topic: Principles of play for defending
Unit aim
This unit will help with passing and support. It will include the principles of play
for defending. When, where and how to defend.
Learning outcomes
There are four 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 the principles of play
for defending
• Record it on flip charts or your note books
• Give examples of players and teams who have excellent principles of
play for defending
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

4. Principles of defence playing on the counter attack.
Celtic vs Juventus Champions League 2013
John Murphy – FA Licensed Coach STLS City and Guilds Level 3 Educator – UEFA A

5. Group Task 2
• Record all technical information for principles of pay for defending
• 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. They will need a role model

7. 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

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, be patient
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