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Drill · defending

Defending as a pair

Two defenders learn to press and cover together against two attackers.

How it looks

Animated · the ball runs the sequence

P C
One presses, one covers. Never both at once. pass run us them

Watch it done

No video on this one yet. UEFA and US Soccer both publish coaching demonstrations of it — these searches go straight to their own channels.

UEFA US Soccer YouTube

Set-up

A 20×20 grid with a small goal to defend. 2 attackers v 2 defenders.

How it runs

  1. 1 Attackers try to score in the small goal.
  2. 2 One defender pressures the ball, the other covers behind.
  3. 3 Win the ball and dribble out over the far line to score.
  4. 4 Rotate every two minutes.

What the coach is looking for

  • Pressure and cover — never both dive in.
  • Delay: slow them down until help arrives.
  • Talk to each other constantly.

Make it harder

  • 3v3.
  • Add a time limit for the attackers.