How to Coach Defensive Cover in a 3v2 Soccer Drill

To help a team to prevent goals against themselves, it is important to defend correctly. Defending involves trying to double team the ball at all times and in all areas of the pitch. To prevent two players being beaten at the same time, whether it is by a pass or a dribble, this double team is positioned in such a way as to ensure that the player actually pressuring the ball is backed up at all times. This type of positioning is referred to as "cover." Using a 3v2 drill format to goal is one of the best ways to coach this type of defending.

Things You'll Need

  • Cones
  • Pinnies
  • Balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a grid that is 30 yards long by 30 yards wide. Place a goal at one end, with a keeper, and a small target goal at the opposite end, approximately 4 yards wide, for the defenders to score into. Divide the squad into two teams.

    • 2

      Start the drill with a service to three attackers attacking the big goal, with two defenders starting from the 6-yard line trying to defend the goal and gain possession. All restarts will begin with the goalkeeper or coach serving a pass to the three attackers.

    • 3

      Coach the two defenders to move as a unit in relation to the ball. It is important that the defense is a proactive unit rather than a reactive one. This means that the defenders must get into proper shape as the ball is moving instead of waiting to see where the ball will end up or what the attackers will do.

    • 4

      Instruct the first defender, who is the nearest defender to the ball, to make a curved run toward the ball, pushing the attacker out wide and positioning her body side-on, knees bent, eyes on the ball and delaying the attack. The first defender's job is to initially contain the attacker, and once cover has been established, attempt to either win the ball or force a mistake from the attacker.

    • 5

      Have the second defender cover in behind the first defender, at an angle toward the goal, 5 to 10 yards away. The covering defender must open her body to the field, splitting her vision between the ball and the other attackers. If the ball is passed to an attacker near the second defender, this defender becomes the pressuring player, and as the ball is moving, the original pressuring defender will drop in and cover the new first defender.