U14–HS · Defending · 16 min
Own the Six, Own the Second Ball
Defend the cross as a unit: near-post runner, six-yard zone, far-post, and the 6 on the D for the cutback and the second ball.
Attack DefendSolid = passDashed = run
- Space
- Penalty box plus 18 yards, full width
- Equipment
- 8 balls · 6 cones · pinnies · 1 full goal
Organization
Defending 5 + GK vs 5 attackers. Wide player serves from a channel. Play to a goal or 8 seconds. 10 crosses from the right, 10 from the left.
Whiteboard
Diagram notes
North goal. GK, near-post, central six, far-post, 6 on the D. Attackers: server on the right, near-post, penalty spot, far-post. Arrow: cross to the six, clearance to the D.
Coaching points
- Near-post defender attacks the front of the six, not the flight from behind.
- The six-yard is a zone. Do not follow a runner out and leave the space.
- Far-post tucks first, then attacks the ball if it arrives.
- The 6 lives on the D until the ball is 30 yards away. Cutbacks and second balls are their job.
Phrases to use
- “Attack the six, don’t watch it.”
- “Zone stays. Runners travel.”
- “Far-post tucks first.”
- “Second ball is the 6.”
Progressions
- Outnumbered 6v4.
- Server may cut back or loft.
- Play the second ball live to a mini-goal.
Regressions
- Serve underhand.
- Remove one attacker.
- Freeze after first contact.
Common mistakes
Everyone tracks a runner and the six is empty.
Two own the space. Two travel. GK claims what they can take with two hands.
Clearance drops at the D and nobody is there.
The 6 does not enter the six-yard. They own the bounce.
Near-post defender ducks and the flick is free.
Attack the front post. Be first or be gone — don’t occupy the space and miss.