Offline Defence

Focus

Defensive Systems.

Skills

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

Purpose

A different form of 1-on-1 defence. Players are still responsible for a direct opponent, but rather than standing next to them, instead restrict space available for a straight lead by standing 1-2 metres in front of them.

Players

10⁺

Ages

6⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

Opp. tops

50%

Visible opposition strip: 50%

Setup
Form 2 even teams, assign attackers and defenders.
Step 1
Simulate a baseline throw-in by the opposition [GK]. [GS] sags to double defend their likely primary target, everyone else assumes an offline position - several steps in front of their direct opponent.
Step 2
Defenders must keep a eye on their opponent at all times by using peripheral vision. It helps to stand slightly to one side of the defender so they can look over one shoulder and see them, while also watching the passer.
Step 3
A good strategy is to watch the opponent's lead, once the passer looks committed to the throw, then really turn up the heat with a desperate late effort to cut-off the lead and intercept the pass.
Step 4
If the opposition resorts to lob passes, teammates should help out by looking to intercept any high passes to a teammate's opponent.
Step 5
Every time a pass is made, players re-adjust their position so they again restrict the space in front of their direct opponent.

Great teamwork is required, as this "loose" style of defending falls somewhere between 1-on-1 and zone defence, and relies on assistance to stop an easy drop-back and lob.