Soccer Defending Drills

Soccer Defending Drills will assure your team understands the tactic and technique of playing defense during a soccer match. Defending is the ability to prevent the opponent from getting chances and moving the ball forward. Although defense in soccer is not seen as a sexy part of the game, the truth is playing defense is a significant component of the game of soccer, as roughly half of your time is playing defense.

Pressure, cover, and balance are the three ingredients to coaching defense.

Pressure, cover, and balance are the three ingredients to coaching defense and is the key to good defensive shape. The idea is to put immediate pressure on the ball in attempt to dispossess your opponent as quickly as possible.

Pressure will teach the closest player to the ball to put pressure on the attacking player in hopes to dispossess the attacker or make them make a mistake.

Cover is a defensive positioning that gives immediate support to the pressuring players by positioning themselves near the pressure.

Balance refers to the ability of the team to position themselves in an excellent defensive posture that does not allow the switching of the ball to off-balance the defense.

Browse the Latest Soccer Defending Drills

2v2 + 1 to Two Goals

Chris Johnson 3,592 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

This is a 2v2 + 1 attacking soccer game is played to two goals with a free attacker on the end line between the two goals. This game focuses on playing the ball forward to your target player before go…

1v1 Transition Game

Chris Johnson 3,656 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

That is a fast paced 1v1 transition game mean to focus on beating the defender and getting it into your teammate, or quickly transition to defense if the ball is lost.

1v1 Transition

Chris Johnson 2,714 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

This is a fast-paced 1v1 game that focuses on quickly transitioning from the attack to defense.

4v4, Thirds of the Field, Shape and Positioning

Chris Johnson 9,740 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

This 4v4 thirds of the field drill is great for improving shape and positioning.

1v1 Speed and Reaction Game

Chris Johnson 40,247 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

1v1 Speed and Reaction Game is a fun addition to any practice that focuses on quick reaction and speed, ending with a 1v1 to small goals.

1v1 Attacking to a Full-Size Goal

Chris Johnson 20,279 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

1v1 attacking drill that focuses on beating the defender in a 1v1 situation and finishing on a full-size goal.

Defensive Clearances- Up and Out

Chris Johnson 28,168 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

This defensive soccer drill focuses on clearing balls from the back third of the field. Defenders are taught to handle difficult balls while clearing them high and wide.

Circle Rondo Soccer Drill

Chris Johnson 19,470 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

This circle rondo soccer drill is a great warm-up drill before a game, or a drill for your practice session.

1v1 Battle - Attacking and Reaction Drill

Chris Johnson 12,110 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

This 1v1 soccer battle drill will focus on the attacking and defending aspects of the game.

2v2 Battle - Attacking and Defending Drill

Chris Johnson 16,227 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

This 2v2 soccer attacking and defending drill focuses on the attacker's decision to dribble, pass, or shoot. From the defensive side, they must quickly close down the attackers and deny space.