"Defense wins championships" is a mantra repeated consistently by coaches of numerous sports. Soccer is no exception to this rule. The ability to win possession with a tackle and cover defense players off the ball is crucial for every soccer player and team. Youth soccer defense drills should be simple to understand and teach the basic fundamentals of defense.
Tackling Drill
The best way to introduce defending is through tackling practice. This gives players the ability to win the ball when they are pressuring opposing soccer players who are in possession. The three most common forms of tackle are the block tackle, the poke tackle and the slide tackle. Set out a 10 yard box with two players facing each other at opposite ends. Player A passes the ball to Player B, and Player B dribbles the ball in a straight line one or two yards on either side of the defender. The defender performs a tackle on the player. After 10 repetitions, switch the defensive soccer player and repeat the drill. You can ramp up the difficulty of this drill by having the attacker increase speed, change direction and attempt to beat the defender using fakes and moves. To practice tackling under game-like conditions, play a one-on-one game, with a goal being scored by stopping the ball on the goal line.
Two on Two
Two-on-two games can introduce the concept of cover defense. Play in a 20 yard box with the pairs on opposite ends of the box. Team A passes the ball to Team B and Team A defends; Team B scores a point by stopping the ball on the goal line that Team A is defending. One defensive soccer player pressures the ball, while the other player tracks the runner off the ball and attempts to cut off the passing option. Coaching points to emphasize: always have ball pressure; and the defender covering off the ball should track the runner and remain "goal side," keeping his body between the attacker and the goal he is defending.
Two on Four Keep Away
Play keep away, with the defenders outnumbered two on four. Play in a 15 yard box, and adjust the space to increase or decrease difficulty. This drill works on pressure, cover and also communication. The first defender pressures the ball and the second defender should choose a side to cover and communicate this to the first defender. The first defender will the try and force the ball toward the cover defense, increasing the chances of a turnover. Award the attacking team a point for every five passes they string together, and award the defending team a point every time they win the ball or it goes out of play---the first team to score 10 points is the winner.
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