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2nd (Supporting) Defender(s) Assessment
This game assesses each player's natural tendencies to support defending teammates, their current ability to support defending teammates, their knowledge about supporting defending teammates and what they still need to learn about supporting defending teammates.
Assessment Scoring Print Assessment Form (link opens in new tab). Enter players name or uniform number in 1st column. The defender closest to the attacker with the ball moves to contain that opponent and becomes the 1st defender. In the 2nd column score the defender who should become the 1st defender. Enter their score in a small box for each opportunity they have to move to become the 1st defender and contain the attacking opponent with the ball as follows:
In the 3nd column score the other defender who should become the 2nd or supporting defender. Enter their score in a small box for each opportunity they have to move to become the 2nd defender as follows:
Roles of the 1st and Supporting Defenders
1 Versus 2 Game Setup In this version there are three lines of players. There is a line of attackers at a cone at the top of the penalty arc.There are two lines of defenders, one at each goal post. When possible the number of players in each line should all be different. This results in different players going against each other in most rounds of the assessment. The players in one of the lines of defenders should each have a ball. Each round starts with the defender with the ball passing to the first attacker in that line. As the ball is passed the round starts with:
2 Versus 2 Game Setup Halfway through the assessment change to this variation of the game. In this version of the game a 2nd attacker is added with one line of attackers behind cones at both ends of the Penalty Arc, where the Penalty arc meets the Penalty box. Defender AssessmentsIn this game there are 4 lines. One line for defenders on each side of a goal and two lines for attackers at cones where the penalty arc would intersect the top of the penalty box. After each attack the players rotate to the next line in a clockwise rotation.
Players who stand in lines lose focus, become bored and do not learn as well or as quickly as players in exercises with no or very short lines. The ideal number of players for this exercise is four lines of 2 players each. The minimum number is 6 players. If you have 16 or more players play two side by side games so there are no lines that are too long. In all attacks both players by the goal posts become the 1st and supporting 2nd defenders. The defender who can get to the attacking player with the ball first becomes the 1st Defender. The defender who can't get there first becomes the 2nd defender. 1 Attacker Versus Defenders 2
2 Attackers Versus 2 Defenders
Defenders Narrowing the Angle
Assessment to determine if Defenders narrow the angle to prevent goals. Observe the 1st Defender and make notes on any training they may need. When coming out to contain the 1st Defender should position their body to deny shots to the near post and as much of the rest of the goal as is possible. When the 1st Defender is Beaten
When the 1st Defender is beaten the 2nd Defender should instantly move to become the 1st defender (see green arrows in animation below) and to contain the opponent with the ball. As the 2nd Defender moves to become the 1st Defender the beaten 1st Defender should instantly move to become the 2nd Defender (see blue arrow in animation below) and to support the new 1st Defender. In assessment exercises observe each player's movement and make notes of any training which should be done. |
Player Risk Taking Assessment
Supporting Teammate With the Ball 1st Defender Assessment 2nd Defender Assessment |