2v2 Defending: Press and Cover
Two defenders defend two gates against two attackers. The coach checks one thing: the nearest defender presses and the second one covers at the right distance.
- Age
- U11–Senior
- Players
- 8–16
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 20 × 20 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Waves
- Objectives
- Technical: 1v1 defending
- Tactical: Defensive organisation, Pressing
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
This is the basic unit of team defending. When the ball moves, the defenders swap roles: the new nearest player presses and the other drops into cover. Attackers dribble or pass through either gate, which punishes a defender who goes to the ball instead of covering.
Objective
Defend in pairs by pressing the ball carrier and covering behind the presser.
Organisation
- Square of 20 × 20 m with two 4 m gates on the defenders' line.
- Attackers start with the ball on the opposite line; defenders start in front of the gates.
How it works
- Attackers score by dribbling through a gate.
- Defenders score by winning the ball and passing through the attackers' start line.
- Attacks last until a goal, a turnover or 12 seconds.
- Swap roles every 5 attacks.
Coaching points
- Presser: approach fast, slow down for the last metres, stand side-on.
- Cover: 3–4 m behind and to the inside of the presser, diagonal, not in line.
- Talk: 'I press', 'I cover'.
- When the ball is passed, swap roles during the pass.
Progressions
- Add a third attacker who can join from the side (2v3).
- The gates move to the corners.
Regressions
- Attackers may only pass forward once.
Variations
- Defenders may only win the ball by interception.
Key principles
- Pressure on the ball, cover behind.
- Roles change with every pass.
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