FC Barcelona defensive transition. Defending from the front. Strikers and midfielders unit work. Age:14-Adult No Players: 14 (13+Gk) Difficulty: Medium/Hard Area/Time: 2/3 Field (25mins) 1. Learn how to regain possession in the final third 2. Learn how to prevent opposition playing forwards 3. Learn how to regain possession in max. 6 sec. ORGANISATION: Mark out 2/3 of a full size pitch as on diagram. Prepare min. 4 spare balls. The teams play in specific formations. Provide tactical instructions for each team: Attacking team: 1. 6 players (reds)5. 12-3 formation Score in the full sized goal After losing possession defend three small sized goals and try to regain the ball as soon as possible, Encourage attacking players to take risks Defending team 1. 8 players (blues) (7+Gk) 2. 1-4-2+1 formation 3. Defend full sized goal 4. After gaining possession score in one of the three small sized goals as soon as possibl INSTRUCTIONS: Game starts when the ball is played in by player no. 6. No corner kicks. After a goal, foul or out for the defending team the game is restarted by player no. 6. Two teams compete and attempt to score. ‘SCORING: The attacking team scores in the full sized goal. After gaining possession defending team scores by scoring in one of the three small sized goals as soon as possible. KEY COACHING POINTS: Be prepared mentally for defensive transition. Concentration and readiness. After losing possession react quickly! First seconds are the most important! ‘The nearest player to the ball (1" defender) closes down player with the ball. Aggressive attitude and immediate pressure are vital 1 defender — shut down as quickly as possible, slow down, stay down, stay on your toes, tackle (prevent playing long ball). Opponent should not have a possibility to look up. Force opposition wide or back. Prevent switching play and close your opponent in one part of the pitch Show courage and aggression (be hungry to get the ball back) Communicate with each other — loud, clear and precise (1"* defender gives signal) communication language Players around the ball - mark all the players close to the ball (prevent playing short pass). Stay tight, Priority is to cover players in front of the ball Supporting defenders also look for pressure. Doubling up in wide areas of the pitch. Players away from the ball ~ stay close to each other, be compact and balanced, Act as a team, Prevent turning and running into space. Track forward runs After regaining possession switch to attack as quickly as possible PROGRESSIONS: Add more defending players. Change into 1-4-3/1-4-4 formation. ‘Add more attacking players. Create more complex decision making Make the pitch longer. Add defending team’s strikers Move into 11v11 game Add bigger goals for defending team to attack into, Set more progressive challenges for players.Diagram 1- Moment of losing possession ‘Team is in the attacking phase. Player number 8 take risk and loses possession of the ball. Players are prepared to make a transition to defence and regain possession through organized and pre-planned strategy. Diagram 2 — Transition to defence After possession being lost team must react rapidly. The nearest player to the ball (8) applies immediate pressure preventing opposition playing forwards. Second nearest player to the ball (9) chooses between man to man marking and doubling up (when needed). Supporting defenders (6, 10) cover all nearest passing options. Players away from the ball (7,11) provide balance and cover. Team acts as a one unit,NOTES: Very big difference makes correct attitude during defensive transition. Players should be aggressive and brave enough to regain possession immediately. Role of the 1° defenders to prevent the most dangerous option which is the long pass. Supporting defender should be ready to double up. Communication can be led by 1* defender as well as supporting players. Agree with players on communication language.