Zone Defense and Finishing Games

with Mark Francis,
University of Kansas Head Women's Soccer Coach

Coach Francis demonstrates zone defense for winning soccer play by sharing drills, technique and teaching points. Francis begins with a 2 v 1 warm-up drill. The focus for the defender is to not let the ball get behind them, wait for an opportunity to win the ball, defend the space instead of the player and pressure the ball in your area. The next progression is 3 v 3 zone defense. This drill works on communication between players, coming from the players behind, and making players defend space. The next progression is 6 v 6/11 v 11 play where pressure and drop skills are mandatory. Francis also shares five finishing games that create skill development and variety. Ball over line crossing game stresses pressure and a competitive environment in a 4 v 4 drill. A crossing game with chasers teaches bent runs, driving the service and timing runs in the box. The 1 v 1 breakaway game simulates a zone in the middle of the field. Finishing with neutral players is another excellent 4 v 4 game that relies on quick shots. Francis concludes with the Brazilian drill. This DVD provides an excellent balance between offense and defense. Francis illustrates how practice can be made competitive and productive with these drills and finishing games.

124 minutes. 2006.

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