Channel Defending

Description

A defender must channel an attacker away from goal and toward the sideline in a narrow corridor. Teaches the defensive body shape needed to force attackers wide and prevent them from cutting inside. The attacker tries to dribble past into the end zone.

Setup

Set up a 10x20 yard channel with cones. Attacker starts at one end with a ball, defender faces them 5 yards away. Attacker tries to dribble to the far end zone. Defender scores a point by forcing a turnover or pushing attacker out of the channel.

Coaching Points

• +Angle your body to show the attacker outside — do not be square
• +Stay side-on with your feet staggered, weight on the balls of your feet
• +Do not lunge — delay, delay, delay until you can win the ball cleanly
• +Keep an arm's distance — close enough to press, far enough to react

Progressions

1. 1.Widen the channel to 15 yards to give the attacker more options
2. 2.Add a second defender who enters from behind after 3 seconds
3. 3.Attacker gets a point for stopping the ball in the end zone (not just entering it)
4. 4.Play 2v1 — two attackers try to combine past one defender

Equipment

Skills