Rest Defence

To develop players' understanding of rest defence by maintaining a structured base behind the ball during attacking phases, enabling effective counter-pressing and transition control.

• The coach begins the play with a pass into the Blue team in the middle zone. • The pitch is divided into three zones: • Zone 1 (Build Phase – Defensive Third): • 3 Blue players and 3 Black players are locked into this zone. • The Blue players provide the base of rest defence. • Zone 2 (Midfield – Transitional Zone): • 2 Blue players and 1 Black player start in this area. • One Blue player is allowed to support the attack by advancing into Zone 3. The remaining player must hold their position to maintain the rest defence structure. • Zone 3 (Attacking Third): • Blue attackers and Black defenders are fixed in this zone. • Blue aims to create and finish chances in the big goal. Black aims to defend and transition if possession is won. • If possession is lost, the Blue must counter-press immediately. • The midfield supporting player must recover quickly to maintain compactness behind the ball. • If Black regains possession, they attack the mini goals as quickly as possible. • Game always restarts from the middle zone.