1 V 1 Defensive Drill
Purpose Players practice their one-on-one defensive technique. Drill Setup Create a 7-yard by 7-yard square and put a goal in the center. How it Works Pair players up and give each pair one ball. One
Defensive Drills
Guard The Ball
Purpose Defensive player works on blocking passes and shots. Drill Setup Divide team into groups of 4, mark off a 12-yard square for each group. Place a cone with a ball on top
Split the Seam Drill
Purpose Defenders work with a partner to prevent passes through their area. Drill Setup Create a 7 yard by 7 yard square with cones. How it Works 4 attackers around the outside of the square.
Midfield Defense Drill
Purpose This drill improves zonal defending, passing, communication and decisionmaking in the important midfield area. Drill Setup Mark off a field that is 44 yards long by 25 yards wide. Divide players into
Into the Wide Open
Purpose Encourages defenders to keep attackers out wide instead of going for a tackle, missing and letting them penetrate. Set Up Mark off a field that is approximately 30 yards long by 25
Demolition Derby
Purpose Dribblers must protect their own ball wile also trying to steal balls from the other players. Drill Setup Create a 15 yard wide by 20 yard long grid and put a goal
Invader Drill
Purpose Defenders practice stealing the ball from and then controlling it against multiple attackers. Drill Setup Create two adjacent 20 yard squares. Invaders try to steal the ball and score points for their team. How
3 vs 3 with Small Goals
Purpose Players work on defensive fundamentals in a 3-on-3 setting. This drill pits 3 defenders against 3 attackers. Setup Mark off two fields that are approximately 15 yards wide by 20 yards long. Put
Jockey Drill
Purpose Defenders learn to close out and “jockey” the offensive player backward away from the goal. Setup Mark off two 10-yard squares. Execution Defenders line up at one end, attackers at the other. Attacker