Flooding Defence

Focus

Defensive Systems.

Skills

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

Purpose

From an opposition back-court penalty/free pass or throw-in, or from an opposition centre pass: a strategy is to cluster players around main attacking corridors in the centre & defensive third to block space and slow down scoring.

Players

12⁺

Ages

6⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

Opp. tops

50%

Visible opposition strip: 50%

Setup
Form 2 even teams, however [GS] and opposition [GK] not required. Assign attacking and defending teams. Defenders take some time studying the diagram to familiarise themselves with the area they cover.
Step 1
Start with an opposition free pass just inside the centre third from cone (1)

Defending team run to stand in their position as per the diagram

The first one or two opposition passes are often unopposed - this space isn't critical to defend.
Step 2
[WA and GA] run to the transverse line

Look to double defend players leading centrally

Pressure the passer
Step 3
[C - WD - GD- GK] move after every pass, looking for opportunities to intercept. Attackers attempt to work the ball into the circle for a shot.

Optionally allow the shot, however not essential as the focus is on defence.
Step 4
Progress by simulating an opposition centre pass.

[WA & GA] start in the central corridor.

On the whistle, [WA & GA] concentrate more on quickly taking-up their defensive position and defending the central corridor in the process than defending their immediate opponent.