FA DEVELOPING DEFENDERS COURSE

Course Description

This new course has been designed to examine and develop the defending skills and mental processes of the modern defender. The course will examine the role and responsibilities of the different defending positions and demonstrate the development of the athletic capabilities of the defender and the technical and tactical capabilities required for the game in the future. It will feature practice for the individual defender and also for the individual defender working with others in units and team defence.

The course will also examine the different defensive strategies and tactics employed by teams operating at the highest levels of the game.

Course Pre-requisites

FA DEVELOPING DEFENDERS COURSE

UEFA B Licence

Who is it for?

Coaches seeking to enhance their knowledge on defensive position specific practices.

Course Content

Seven sessions (two theory, five practical) looking at:

• Roles and responsibilities of the centre-back and full-back in the modern game
• Positional athletic and technical profiles for centre-backs and full-backs
• Practice and training content for developing defenders

• Skills that are central to producing excellent defenders

-        Marking - distances, reasons and inviting passes etc
-        Tracking and back-tracking
-        Pressing and 1v1 responsibilities
-        Screening and blocking passes/crosses
-        Passing-on opponents (laterally/vertically)
-        Interceptions, spoiling possession and containing opponents

• Major attacking skills

-        Playing from the back and middle third
-        Distribution over varied distances with varied technique

• Defending against central and flank attacks

-        Defending in wide areas
-        Defending centrally
-        Defending against counter-attack
-        Defending against crosses

• Methods

-        Discussion and lecture
-        DVD observation
-        Practical sessions
-        Athleticism (agility, acceleration, deceleration, etc.)
-        Technical
-        Tactical

Pre-course task

Candidates are required to complete a pre-course self-reflection task. This will be assigned to all successful applicants around one month prior to the course.

Post-course task

N/A

Course Assessment

N/A

Re-assessment

N/A

Where to go next?

Developing Midfielders Course
Developing Forwards Course

Dress code

Standard dress code on the course is casual. For practically based courses, please bring sufficient outdoor kit/clothing for the duration of the course. The venue ask that candidates refrain from wearing muddy footwear inside the building.

Should the course require any alternative dress, this will be detailed in the course joining instructions.

Medical Information / Physical Requirements

If you have any medical conditions which limit/hinder your involvement or participation in coaching activities, you are obliged to declare any relevant, current or previous injuries/illnesses. If you are diagnosed as an asthmatic, diabetic or epileptic, or have any allergies that the course staff needs to be aware of, you must advise us accordingly. Please note, a declaration of injury or illness does not automatically preclude you from any course.

You should further be aware that if you are on a regular course of medication for any condition, you must have sufficient medication to cover you throughout the course. Although first aid cover is provided (where applicable) during courses, no doctor is available to replenish regular medication, nor is there any facility to deliver medical treatment for chronic (longstanding) medical conditions.

Please provide any relevant information regarding the above Medical Information during the application process.

If your application to enrol is successful candidates will be required to complete a Medical Form prior to commencing the course.

Practical Information

Please note that if a student has a disability that may prevent them participating actively in the practical sessions, then this should be made known to the course organiser at the point of registration. The course organiser will then take any necessary steps to cater for the students requirements which may include bringing in footballers to ensure there are sufficient numbers of players.

Equality

FA Learning will ensure that it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in, and enjoy, its activities in an atmosphere free from harassment, bullying, discrimination or abuse.  FA Learning will seek to provide a service which is appropriate to the needs of an individual and to make reasonable adjustments or provide support, where appropriate, to cater for those needs.

Football League Funding

Coaches working exclusively in Academies/Centres of Excellence at Football League clubs may be able to access funding through their club.

To book on this course please email here.