Outnumbered defense teaches positioning and communication. One defender can’t mark both attackers. They have to pick one to pressure and hope for an interception or poor pass.
What you need: 1 soccer ball, 2 attackers, 1 defender, a goal, 25 feet of space.
Setup: Attackers start 25 feet from goal with the ball. Defender starts 10 feet from goal.
How to run it:
- Attackers pass and move, trying to find space for a shot using Plant, Open, Strike, Follow.
- Defender uses Drop, Show, Stay, Win to pressure one attacker.
- The other attacker becomes an open passing option.
- Defender has to read the pass and intercept or let the attacker shoot.
- 4 attempts. If defenders get a clean sheet, they win. If attackers score, they win.
What to watch: Does the defender pressure or drop deep? Both are valid strategies depending on the situation.
If they’re struggling: Make the goal bigger. Give the defenders an easier task.
If they’ve got it: Add a second defender so it becomes 2v2. Now defenders can help each other.