Defending, Transitions · U9+
Two blue attackers go to goal with a goalkeeper. Two red defenders start from markers behind the attackers. The area is about 20 × 24 metres, with a cone gate at the far end. The blues start with the ball towards goal, and at the same moment the reds recover. The nearer defender runs along the inside line to get between the ball and the goal and delays the player on the ball. The other defender recovers to the inside between the remaining attacker and the goal. When it becomes 2v2, the defenders press and cover. In the diagram, red 1 gets in front of blue 1 and delays. When the blue player passes to the flank, red 2 steps to press during the pass, and red 1 drops to cover. Red 2 wins the ball and the reds attack immediately into the gate. Now the blues recover. The blues score for a goal, while the reds score by dribbling the ball through the gate. The further the defenders start back, the harder recovery is, so adjust the distance of the starting markers to the level. Swap roles after a few repetitions.
The recovery run starts immediately and follows the inside line straight towards your own goal. The first defender gets goal-side of the player on the ball from the inside, turns to face between the ball and the goal, and slows down into a side-on position about two metres away. When delaying, you give space step by step and don’t try to win the ball until your team-mate has arrived. The second defender positions between the free attacker and the goal on the inside so they can see both the ball and their own player at the same time. When the ball goes to the flank, the nearer player presses during the pass and the other drops inside to cover.
What route do you take to recover when the attacker is ahead of you, and why that route? How do you know you’ve got between the ball and the goal? When do you delay and when do you go to win the ball? Which of you presses when the ball goes to the flank, and where does the other player go?
2v2 recovery defending is a football drill on TacticsBoard. Category: Defending, Transitions. Age group: U9+. Browse more football drills or create your own for free.