PRINCIPLES OF DEFENDING
The main focus is to win back possession!
1. Pressure - win the ball back as quickly as possible.
2. Delay - gain time to organize the defense through appropriate pressure on the ball (pressure may be “dropping”).
3. Support-Cover - provided to pressuring defender.
4. Balance - positioning away from the ball to cover vital areas.
5. Compactness – keeping spaces between defenders as small as possible.
6. Control and Restraint - individual defending under control - Blocking, tackling, heading.
7. Counterattack - win the ball and go to goal, if you can!
PRINCIPLES OF ATTACKING
The main focus is to score more goals than the other team!
1. Penetration - dribbling, shooting, and passing.
2. Support - providing all around support for the player with the ball.
3. Mobility - an attempt to create gaps in the defense by a variety of different runs.
4. Width - in order to spread out the defense and create space.
5. Improvisation - make the attack unpredictable through creativity.
See links below for more individualized links for these age groups: