Circle of 5 vs Inside Defenders

Focus

Defensive Systems.

Skills

Preliminary Moves & Passing, Defensive Moves, Vision & Quick Decisions.

Purpose

Attackers move the ball around quickly to stop defenders from closing them down, while a defensive pair execute their defensive strategy.

Groups of

Ages

6⁺

Balls/grp

Cones

Distance (max)

Opp. tops

Visible opposition strip: 2

Setup
Form a pentagon with adjacent cones approximately 5m apart for each group of 7. Choose 5 players for cones, 2 defenders, remainder sub out.
Step 1
Give 2 defenders 20 seconds or thereabouts to plan their defensive strategy before beginning. For example:-

Player 1 = pressure the passer when (A / B / C) in possession, cover ball-side cones and attempt to intercept when (D/ E) have ball

Player 2 = pressure the passer when (E /F) in possession, cover ball-side cones and intercept when (A / B / C) have ball
Step 2
The ball starts with (A) who must find one of the other 4 players on a cone with a pass. Held ball rule applies.

Attackers will find they are harder to stop if they move the ball quickly, because this gives defenders less time to close down the space
Step 3
Receiving player (B/C/D/E) must do the same as (A) - find a team-mate without committing a held-ball violation.
Step 4
If defenders can't intercept, introduce a third defender (if numbers permit) or stop for a breather if defenders seriously tire. Swap defenders with player who turned the ball over and give everyone 1 or 2 turns defending.
Step 5
As progressions:-

Don't allow a return pass to the same player, reducing passing options

Allow specific types of pass only.