Individual Defending in 1v1 moments

 

If it is not possible to immediately 'win' the ball

then what else should you be thinking about in an 'individual defending' moment.

 

Follow these 6 rules below (in order) when in an Individual defending moment.

Don't dive in : Remember this first. If you get beat because you dived in (over committed)  or you commit a foul (espicially inside or just outside the box) - you make the situation much much worse.

Deny : Deny the forward time and space on the ball : Defenders may have to move off the defensive line to achieve this. Other defenders and midfielders must shuffle and adapt to fill the gap.

Delay ; Defenders must slow down the attacker so that midfielders and wingers can join in with the defensive process (1) can a second player put more pressure on the ball (double up) or provide the first defender cover, so that this defender can be a bit more aggressive (2) This also allows all other players to get back and behind the ball.

Disturb : Can enough pressure be applied  to maybe force a bad touch (a mistake), which the pressing players can pounce on.

Block : Can defenders block shots or make sure a player doesn't get a clear unopposed shot at goal.

Win the ball : Can defenders pick the right moment to win and clear the ball . This can be done using a tackle (block/wedge), pinch, poke ,steal, kick etc. When attempting to win the ball follow the 100% rule and note : Tackling is one of the last things on the list , and should only be done if necessary. Choosing to tackle may not always be the best decision and tackling is a small part of the 'win the ball' process.

 

 

A simple way to remember these six rules is as :

DDDDBW

or [ 4xDBW ]

 

To get some visuals on what DDDDBW might look like , watch the following videos :

 

Defending Checklist

 

 

Some more Individual defending rules :

 

When individually defending an attacker in a 1v1 moment,  defenders must :

  • Get low [strong wide base] and try to be side on.
  • Set the feet up (point the feet in the direction you think (or want) the attacker will go).
  • Use very small steps and very quick feet to jockey [as this makes it is easier to change direction, accelerate etc].
  • Get the body position right [ Be side on ready to move - don't be square on].
  • Get the pitch position right (Block off one option and force the attacker to the space he would prefer not to go].
  • Get good distances (not too close - not too far away). 
  • Apply the 100% rule in regards to winning the ball : See individual defending guidelines below.
  • Apply the 100% rule in regards to winning the ball : That is, when you decide to make an attempt to win the ball, you are 100% sure you will win the ball, (even though you may not, in actual fact, win it, but you were at least 100% sure you would win it when you tried to win it).
  • Work through the DDDDBW process when ever necessary (above), and take the opportunity to win the ball when you thin it presents itself.

 

 

1v1 Pressing

 

 

 

 

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