In this DVD Coach Freitag unpacks his strategy and philosophy on building a winning defense. In 33 years of Indiana soccer, the common thread has been defense. Defending has led the Hoosiers to 17 of the 33 College Cups. Freitag believes that a team must become good defensively first, then offensively. To help you create a winning defense, Freitag presents coaching tips in the following areas: Transition, Pressure, Anticipation, Vision, Communication, Responsibility, Cover, Start up Position, Block, Angle of Approach and Tussle. Using computer animation, Coach Freitag shares seven defensive drills to hone these keys. The conclusion uses game footage to emphasize the point that "little things make a big difference." Use this DVD to make a commitment to defending and put you team in position to win every game.

50 minutes. 2006.

Coach Lyon puts his defensive philosophy on display in this clinic presentation. A major part of building a defensive unit is coaching the back four. Defending is "an art", according to Lyon, and he feels that attitude and intelligence are mainstays. These characteristics can help you adapt when short of athleticism. A main concept for the back four is team shape, which is broken down into eight pieces. Holding the back four indicates that the unit works together as a group. Lyon believes that token pressure can only be used if directional. He is a believer in real pressure, which makes the opponent uncomfortable. The back four must slide, fill the space and work together. Recovery is a crucial element in back four play also. Tackling the ball puts the pressure on the other team. Counter attack is another key to successfully coaching the back four. Lyon says it is important to include the goalkeeper in your game play, also. On an overhead outline, Lyon shows eight elements of holding the back four. Keeping the ball in front allows you to adjust and read. Depth is a concept that is directly related to your teams' goal. The 3 & 1 and 1 & 3 is a concept that must be mastered to play the back four. Lyon explains communication and dropping with a purpose. Moving and sliding as a unit covers for wide holes that are constantly being created. Because getting beat is a part of the game, recovery is an important aspect of this concept. A distinction is made between driving and tackling. Tackling is a calculated search for the ball. A player should always tackle hard in attempts to win the ball. Defenders are taught to counter attack by moving the play to the opposite side of the field. To cement this teaching, he uses actual game footage to fully explain the eight principles. This DVD can be a tool to strengthen your defense, team communication, and gain a greater understanding of how to keep your opponent from scoring goals.

2006.

Coach Francis demonstrates zone defense for winning soccer play by sharing drills, technique and teaching points. Francis begins with a 2 v 1 warm-up drill. The focus for the defender is to not let the ball get behind them, wait for an opportunity to win the ball, defend the space instead of the player and pressure the ball in your area. The next progression is 3 v 3 zone defense. This drill works on communication between players, coming from the players behind, and making players defend space. The next progression is 6 v 6/11 v 11 play where pressure and drop skills are mandatory. Francis also shares five finishing games that create skill development and variety. Ball over line crossing game stresses pressure and a competitive environment in a 4 v 4 drill. A crossing game with chasers teaches bent runs, driving the service and timing runs in the box. The 1 v 1 breakaway game simulates a zone in the middle of the field. Finishing with neutral players is another excellent 4 v 4 game that relies on quick shots. Francis concludes with the Brazilian drill. This DVD provides an excellent balance between offense and defense. Francis illustrates how practice can be made competitive and productive with these drills and finishing games.

124 minutes. 2006.