Defensive Shadows

🖼️ Visual Guide

🎯 Objectives

Proper defensive positioning, staying goal-side, reading the attacker's body language, patience in defending.

🎒 Equipment Needed

Soccer ball (1 per pair), 4 cones for a small grid

As an Amazon Associate, Tiny Kicks earns from qualifying purchases.

📐 Setup

Set up 5x5 meter grids. In each grid, one player is the attacker (with ball) and one is the defender. Place a small cone goal behind the defender.

📋 How to Run It

1. 1The attacker tries to dribble past the defender to reach the cone goal.\n2. The defender stays on their feet and tries to stay between the attacker and the goal.\n3. No tackling! The defender just mirrors the attacker's movements.\n4. If the attacker scores, they get a point. If the defender holds for 15 seconds, they get a point.\n5. Switch roles after 5 attempts.

💡 Coaching Tips

Emphasize "Stay on your feet!" — no diving in. Teach the jockey position: knees bent, side-on, light on toes. Praise patience!

🔄 Variations

Allow the defender to tackle. Make the grid larger. Add a second attacker for 2v1 scenarios.