Close Down

Purpose: 

Defenders work on stopping an attack when outnumber. 

Setup: 

Create a grid that is 20 years long by 10 yards wide. 

Instructions: 

1. There is a server, a receive and a defender. The coach can be the server if need be.
2. Coach serves the ball to the receiver and defender rushes in and closes down on receiver attempting to prevent the return pass to the server.
3. The defender only moves after the receiver has touched the ball.

Coaching Tips: 

• On the close down, defender should start with good strides and end with short steps.
• Defender should also show the attacker the side he wants him to go, which would be toward the defender’s best foot.

Tips for Younger Athletes:

1. Teach the younger players the importance of body positioning when closing down. Their body should be slightly sideways, which gives them balance and allows them to quickly change direction based on the receiver’s decision.
2. Encourage the younger defenders to always keep their eyes on the ball. This helps them react quickly to any change in direction or sudden moves by the receiver.
3. Even at a younger age, it’s vital to instill the importance of communication. They should learn to verbally alert teammates about potential threats or incoming attackers.

Tips for Older Athletes:

1. Experienced players should be able to read the body language of the receiver to anticipate their next move. This can help them get a slight edge in timing and positioning during the close down.
2. Emphasize the importance of maintaining balance while closing down. An older defender should be ready to recover quickly if the receiver manages to bypass them.
3. Older athletes should work on varying their speed during the close down. Starting fast to cover ground and slowing down as they approach the receiver will give them more control and reaction time.