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Do you struggle to stay on your feet when faced with a fl eet-footed forward? FFT can show you how to stand up to the challenge, so get practising this scenario – and don’t dive in

SET UP

Set out a 15 x 20-yard grid. Position two mini-goals on one sideline and another two on opposing sidelines, leaving one side of the square open. Split the players into two teams: defenders and attackers. Position the players on the sideline between the two goals. The coach stands between the two teams with a supply of balls.

ACTION

The coach plays the ball into the path of the attacker who has to

try and score in any of the four goals. The defender has to try and stop them from scoring. If the defender wins possession they are then allowed to try and score.

HOW IT HELPS

Allowing the attacker to score in multiple goals challenges the defender to be mobile and aware, covering as many angles as they can. If the defender dives in, they’re out of the game. They’ve got to stand up and wait to make the tackle at the right time. You rarely see Pique go to the floor. He’s able to jockey an attacker and step in, when the opportunity presents itself.

PERFORMANCE

QUARTER-BACK THE PLAY LIKE PIQUEPLAY LIKE SPAIN

15 yds

20 yds

PIQUE’S DEFENDING Drill No.5

In association with

Coerver Coaching is the world’s number one soccer skills teaching method

www.coerver.co.uk.Follow @CoerverUK