Open Practice: Offensive and Defensive Tactics

Bobby Clark, 2013 NCAA Championship Coach, provides an inside look at how his team works on defending and finishing. After a great dynamic warm-up led by Assistant Coach Greg Dalby, the presentation goes right into small-sided games in a grid that work on important offensive and defensive tactics.

Defending
This segment focuses on passing, moving and defending in grid. The 3v1 portion trains defenders to step before the pass is made, which can lead to interceptions. Defenders also learn to close down space and limit offensive passing options. In order to be successful, the offense must execute quick, decisive passing.

In 4v2, defenders learn how to work as a team and to dictate the way the game is played. This helps minimize split passes and enables players to transition properly from defense to offense. Players develop the attacking skills needed to keep the defense from adjusting and pressuring the ball.

The final series of games in the grid are progressions that will make offensive and defensive players more confident in a 1v1 situations. As this series progresses, you'll get tips and strategies to train your players to communicate effectively and be able to cover one another better, which can put a stop to any attack. You'll also learn how to turn numbers up or numbers down situations in your favor.

Attacking & Finishing
Notre Dame Associate Head Coach BJ Craig leads the finishing segment of the video. Offensive players will get better at timing their runs, attacking the pressure and using deception to engage the defender away from attacking options. These techniques eliminate off-side issues on your team.

Transition Game
Strategies from the previous segments come together in the transition game. See how players can be better decision makers when defending in transition. Help your players understand how to make trailing runs and support their teammates when pushing forward.

This comprehensive soccer presentation covers the skills and drills for improving offensive and defensive tactics on the soccer field. Use the same concepts that helped Notre Dame Head Coach Bobby Clark lead his team to the 2013 National Championship!

102 minutes. 2014.