The key to being a successful defensive unit is having a back four that works as a team. In my previous session we went through individual defensive skills, which are vital for each player, but the real challenge comes in applying these as a unit. If you can master this you’ll have the makings of a formidable defence.
Defending as a unit is difficult to pick up, it takes time and hard work, but if you’re willing to put it in at training you will see the results on the pitch. Play these drills at match intensity, week in week out and I guarantee your defensive unit will be stronger on match day
Watch the video, download the PDF and commit to raising your defensive game this season.
Defending can be seen as a simple job, but there are a lot of technical skills which are vital to being effective at the back at every level. Winning headers and making clearances is certainly a big part of this, but it's not the only aspect you should be working on. Your defence needs to be capable of handling pace and movement as well as more direct play.
Above you can see a video of the session I recently took with LSPL team Haydon United, which concentrated on honing each defender's individual skills. You can also download the PDF which takes you through these drills in more detail and breaks down what you should be looking to do at each point in play. There are some really handy tips which should be easy to bring into your game, but could make all the difference on the pitch.
Watch the video, download the PDF and commit to raising your defensive game this season.
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Drill 1: Defending in open play
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Full-Back Play
- Close down the space, think about your angle of approach and don't give them any room to operate.
- Remember that you dictate the play, show them into your area of strength. Initially send them inside where you have numbers in defence, once they hit the 18-yard box send them down the line to stop them from getting a shot in.
- Keep your legs together and stay light on your feet so you can change direction quickly, don't stand square on to the attacker.
Centre-Back Play
- Stay touch-tight to your man, be strong and make your presence felt. Physicality is an important component of defending.
- Make the attacker take the ball with his front leg. If he can control the ball with his back foot you've given him too much time.
- Don't get drawn into following runs beyond the game-line. If attackers wander offside leave them to it but keep an eye on them as they come back into play.
- Don't give the players room to turn, stay on their back and don't allow them any space.
- Ensure the centre backs stay in position and don't cross one another, if the attackers switch sides let them go and pick up the new man.
Read more in the Individual Defensive Skills PDF
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Drill 2: Dealing with crosses
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- Be committed to the clearance, make sure the ball can't come straight back in.
- Stand sideways on to the delivery point so you can see what's behind you.
- Don't stand and admire a clearance, get back on your feet and deal with the next ball.
- Communicate with each other, make early calls and decide who's dealing with it.
Read more in the Individual Defensive Skills PDF
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Drill 3: One-on-ones
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- Don't run at the attacker, close down the space, but make sure your momentum isn't taking you forward or the attacker is left with a simple knock past you and he's through on goal.
- Stay light on your feet with your legs close together so that you can change direction quickly and don’t risk being nutmegged.
- A skilful forward will change direction quickly and try stepovers and jinks to throw you off balance. Get in position to block every movement but don't get drawn in to turning your back on the ball. As soon as your back is turned you're out of the game. Keep your eye on the ball at all times and be decisive in the challenge.
Read more in the Individual Defensive Skills PDF
In an illustrious footballing career, Martin Keown played 801 First Class matches - including 43 for England - and won the double (FA Cup and Premier League) twice with Arsenal in 1998 and 2002. He was also an influential member of the unbeaten Arsenal team in 2004.
On his retirement in 2005, Martin spent a year in a mentoring role - training and working with Arsenal first team players - and gained valuable experience operating alongside Arsene Wenger.
In 2008 he successfully completed his B and A Licence coaching course, the culmination of three years' commitment including a spell as manager of the Oxford University team in 2007/8. He will also be working with the Oxford Blues team again this season.
Martin started working in the media in 2007 and is now a much sought-after football analyst on television and radio. He can be seen and heard regularly on BBC Football Focus, Final Score, MOTD2 and 5 Live.
Defensive Master Class - Questions & Answers
Martin Keown talks about his experiences in the game.