TECHNIQUES AND TACTICS FOR TRANSITION DEFENDING (BARRETT)

Teach your back four to retreat and take away space in front of the goal Learn the correct technique to close space while defending Train midfield players to back-tackle during transition Keep your back four defenders organized and positioned to win the ball

with Dave Barrett, Illinois Wesleyan University Head Women's Soccer Coach,
3x Conference Coach of the Year; 2x CCIW Champions

Prevent your opponent from advancing into your defensive half with effective transition defending. Illinois Wesleyan coach Dave Barrett shows how to not only stop your opponent, but how to distribute the ball up field quickly to create a counter-attack.

He demonstrates three fast-paced exercises that create many game-like scoring opportunities. These exercises will help train your players to recognize visual cues so they can gain possession. The exercises will also help your players recognize the importance of communication when they are out-numbered.

Speed and Perception Warm-ups
Provide your team with meaningful touches on the ball and help them understand how to react to the ball in a variety of game situations.

Phase Play
The purpose of phase play is to get your defenders to pressure and retreat at the right moments to force turnovers. Your players will learn to communicate so they are aware of their positioning on the field and ensure that their teammates are covered.

In addition, these exercises will help to:

• Mentally train your players to create a quick counter-attack
• Organize your defense to funnel the ball into your best defenders
• Conditioning players to find the deepest possible attacker

Phase play allows you to gradually add players as you progress through the drill to make it more difficult for your defenders. Your defenders will need to be able to adapt to the change in numbers in order to close down the attackers. Adding players simulates different game scenarios.

Modern defenders need to do more than just win the ball. It is very important that they relate the ability to win the ball back with the importance of starting the counterattack. Having your defenders pass to the targets will force players to focus on not just tackling the attacker, but understanding where they will pass once they win it.

This season, keep your defenders organized to win the ball and to make the most of their counter-attack. Limiting your opponent's ability to get behind your defense will reduce their scoring opportunities and help you to win more games.

48 minutes. 2013.