defending intermediate U10 U12 U14 U16+ Adult
Objective
Read the pass, time the interception, and clear the ball decisively.
Instructions
- 1
Two passers stand 15 yards apart. Defender positions in the passing lane between them.
- 2
Passers exchange the ball. The defender tries to intercept by reading the pass early and stepping into the lane.
- 3
On an interception, the defender clears the ball to a target cone 20 yards away.
- 4
Rotate after 2 minutes.
Coaching Points
- ✓ Watch the passer's hips and plant foot — they telegraph the direction.
- ✓ Step into the lane just before the pass, not after.
- ✓ Clear with purpose — a weak clearance invites pressure straight back.
Variations
- → Reduce the distance between passers to 10 yards to make interception harder.
- → Allow passers to move laterally to increase unpredictability.