Individual defending 

Coaching points:

• Look to contain or intercept as oppose to risking a tackle that you might not win
• Contain the striker - be tight and don't let him turn, stay low and side on, showing the player wide and away from goal
• Show the striker onto your strong foot
• If you are 100% sure you can win the ball - take the ball! Otherwise contain
• If you win the ball, look to mount an attack

Drill 1

In an area of 20x20 yards, set up a small goal at one end and 2 small goals at the other. The players line up in between the two small goals.

Here the defender (red) passes the ball through the attackers legs (blue) then both players chase to win the ball. The striker aims to turn the defender and finish into 1 of the goals on the side that has 2 goals. The defenders main aim is to stop the striker scoring, however if the defender wins the ball he should aim to play the ball into the goal on the other side (playing the ball up the field accurately to start an attack)

Drill 2

Split the playing area into 3 equal zones and set up 1 v 1 in each zone. The red team will play the blue team at a game of possession - players cannot leave their allocated zones. A goal is scored if a team can successfully play through all three zones, keeping possession. The 1 v 1 contest will work on the basic defending elements - marking, tackling, intercepting. This drill also helps defenders technically as in possession they must control the ball under pressure and play away to a team mate. 

Drill 3

5 v 5, with 2 players of the defending team in the end zone. The team of 5 (red) aim to complete 10 passes which is equal to 1 goal in this game. If the team of 3 (blue) win the ball, they must aim to get the ball to one of their players in the end zone to which is equal to a goal in this game. Switch players in the end zone and rotate attacking and defending team as necessary 

Quick recap - The defenders job first and foremost is to prevent the opposition team from scoring, if an attacker has the ball under control avoid diving in attempting to win the ball (the chances are if the striker is in control of the ball he can move it quickly and get past you). Look to contain the player and show him away from goal, which will give your team mates time to get back and defend. When winning the ball, coach defenders to be confident and look to play the ball to a team mate as opposed to a long hopeful kick up the field. 

Questions about this drill, find me on Twitter: @DavidBairdSc