Side-to-side Offline Defence

Focus

Defensive Systems, Games & Races.

Skills

Defensive Moves, Vision & Quick Decisions.

Purpose

Cross the ball laterally to expose defenders and open up space down the court. Defenders must work hard to cover players with offline defence.

Groups of

Ages

6⁺

Balls/grp

Cones

Distance (max)

Setup
Groups of 5 need a 4m playing square. Adjust difficulty by altering the size of the square - the smaller, the easier to defend. Groups choose a defender (A), plus 2 attackers in possession (B & C), and two outlet players (D & E)
Step 1
(B & C) pass the ball between one another. Defender (A) must run left and right to cover outlet players (D & E)

This is example of offline defence

(A) shouldn't venture too far left or right if not intercepting, or they'll risk opening up the other side
Step 2
(B & C) can make a maximum of 10 passes in toal before they must find (D or E) with a pass, the ball which (A) attempts to intercept

Passing must be around the square perimeter only - diagonally across is not allowed - so (B to D), or (C to E) are the valid options

(A) needs to be sly when intercepting. If the move is made too soon it will be read
Step 3
Drill is repeated back the other way, with the same player (A) - who retreats closer to (B & C) - defending (D & E) from passing to (B or C) within 10 passes

Optionally keep defenders score. Every successful pass to other end scores + 1 point. Like golf, the lower score, the better
Step 4
Rotate defender (A) and try to beat the lowest score.
Step 5
As a progression, make the square larger to increase defensive demands.