Defending Exercies & Practice Plans

DEFENDING

EXERCISES AND SAMPLE PRACTICE PLANS

Greg Maas - Greg is the Utah Youth Soccer Association State Technical Director. Coach Maas holds his USSF “A” License, USSF National Youth License and his NSCAA International Premier Diploma. Greg also serves as the Head Coach for US Youth Soccer's Region IV ODP Goalkeepers (Boys) and as a National Staff Coach with US Soccer. Greg was very generous to give the LHSSCA permission to offer his work as a resource here for our coaches.

Jeff Pill – Jeff is the head men’s soccer coach for Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Wisconsin. He recently left his position as a US women’s national team staff coach and assistant U19 national team coach to accept this position. Jeff is the former Director of Coaching for New Hampshire, and he formerly coached New Hampshire College. He holds an “A” license, an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, and a USSF National Youth License. Jeff very graciously gave the LHSSCA permission to use his work on our website.

Mario Prata – Mario was recently named the Director of Youth Development for MLS’s New England Revolution. He was previously a staff development coach with the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, and he has also worked with the US U14 boys national program. He has a USSF “A” license, the USSF National Youth License, and the NSCAA National Diploma. He has also completed youth coaching courses in England and Holland.

Laura Ray – Laura is a Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association Development Coach. Laura previously served as the Head Women’s Coach at Cortland State University in New York. She has a USSF “B” License, USSF National Youth License, and an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

Mikki Denney Wright – Mikki is the head women’s soccer coach at the University of Minnesota. She has an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and a USSF “B” license. She is formerly an assistant coach at the University of Missouri.

Coaching a Back Three and Goalkeeper by Adrian Parrish

Central Defenders: Functional Training by Laura Ray

Compactness of the Back Four by Greg Maas

Defending: Pressure, Cover, Balance by Greg Maas

Defending High Balls by Greg Maas

Defending in Small Groups by Adrian Parrish

Defending in the Attacking Third by Laura Ray

Defending in the Middle Third by Laura Ray

Defending in the Defensive Third by Mario Prata

Defensive Heading from Crosses by Adrian Parrish

Four Zone Game by Jeff Pill

Four Goals - End Line by Jeff Pill