The FA Licensed Coaches Club - Sliding to intercept passes 2 16/02/2015 08:16

Sliding to intercept passes 2

Key Coaching Points

• Central unit of 3 defenders read and react to

ball movement.

• 3 defenders organise and have a main

pressing player who attempts to get close to
ball whilst remaining in central zone.

• Other defenders support presser and

maintain spacing and balance of unit.

• Defender unit change roles, depending on

movement of ball.

• Low carriage and sliding movement across

area, using quick footwork.

• Looking for interceptions and/or deflections

of passes.

Practice organisation

• Area 30x20yds with 10yd radius circle in centre (e.g. centre circle of pitch), squared-off to make
20x20yd box, with each end extended 5yds, as illustrated.

• 10 players organised into 3 groups of 3, plus 1 target player on side of practice area.

• 3 players operate in each zone.

• Practice starts with: ball fed-in by coach to 3 attackers.

• 3 attackers in end zone retain possession unopposed, looking for opportunities to pass through
defended central area to opposite zone.

• On receiving: 3 attackers opposite, look to transfer ball back.

• If 3 defenders in central zone intercept: they play ball to target player.

• Practice restarts with ball fed into an end zone by coach.

• Rotate attackers and defenders at regular intervals.

Detail

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The FA Licensed Coaches Club - Sliding to intercept passes 2 16/02/2015 08:16

• Quick footwork and anticipation by individual players.

• Effective communication to maintain pressure on ball movement.

• Press quickly with low carriage and balanced body shape.

• Maintain appropriate distance and angles between defenders within unit.

• Press, cover and support.

• Simple progression for this practice is:

- On interception: players in middle zone attack the 3 opponents in end zone from which the pass
was delivered and attempt

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