DEFENDING PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

1. Pressure

Your players need to know that the moment possession is lost, the nearest player(s) try to regain possession or apply pressure on the ball. Coaches will be able to teach the player that if they fail to win the ball back immediately, he or she must drop back and delay the attacking advance.

2. Cover

This is the immediate organization of players behind the pressuring defender. While the ball is being pressured, other players must realise they need to be recovering to defensive positions. Such positions must support the pressuring defender in the event he/she is beaten. Working as a unit makes your opponent have to do more to take advantage of these situations.

3. Balance

As the team concentrates its defense in the area of the ball, defenders away from the ball (opposite side of field) must position themselves to cover vital spaces (central areas). This will prevent attackers from making penetrating runs into these spaces and make an attempt on goal. All players who are on the opposite side must seek positions in which to provide balance to the defense.

4. Compactness

As players recover towards their own goal, they need to learn the objective is to limit the time and space for the opponent. You have to teach your defenders to also recover centrally towards their goal to prevent the opponents' ability to directly attack the goal.

5. Improvisation, Creativity & Surprise

Players must be disciplined and play "under control" when challenging for the ball. Too often players make poorly timed or off-balanced attempts to win the ball. Players should restrain from tackling until they are confident they will win the ball.