England Fitness & Conditioning

Instructions/Setup:

This drill begins with two defenders sprinting towards the halfway line, where they will compete for and win a header against an attacker or in the air. The focus is on aerial duels and the ability to clear the ball effectively from dangerous areas.

After completing the header, the defenders must quickly recover by sprinting back towards their own penalty box, where they will deal with a cross from a wide area. The drill helps to simulate match scenarios where defenders need to win aerial challenges and then rapidly recover to deal with subsequent threats, ensuring they stay alert to the game’s demands.

Coaching Notes:

• Aerial Challenge Focus: Emphasize the importance of timing and positioning when going for headers. Defenders should aim to meet the ball at its highest point while ensuring they are in a good position to clear it effectively.

• Quick Recovery After Header: Once the header is won, defenders must immediately focus on recovery, sprinting back quickly to defend the box and prepare for any crosses coming into the area.

• Crossing Awareness: Defenders should always be aware of the ball's trajectory and the positioning of attackers to prevent easy headers or shots from the cross. Encourage defenders to stay goal-side of their marker.

• Communication: Encourage defenders to communicate with each other, especially when recovering from a header, ensuring they cover the correct areas and are aware of potential threats.

Progression 1: Add Attacking Players to Challenge Headers:

Introduce one or two attackers to challenge for the header alongside the defenders. This will increase the pressure on defenders to win the aerial duel.

Focus: This progression builds on defenders’ ability to compete in the air under pressure and refine their decision-making when facing a contested header.

Progression 2: Cross Delivered with Varying Heights and Angles:

Have the wide player deliver crosses at varying heights and angles to make it more difficult for defenders to judge the ball. This will challenge defenders’ positioning and timing.

Focus: This progression helps defenders to adapt to different types of crosses, improving their ability to deal with a variety of aerial and ground deliveries in game situations.