Objective:

• To establish both the individual and team discipline required for successful defending
• To establish good 1 vs. 1 defending habits
• To practice reading the game (Sweeper Role) and encourage attackers to "elude" tight marking.

Organization:

• Field sized according to numbers and ages (approximately 35 x 25 yards) with halfway line. In a small gym adjust the size of the field and numbers, e.g., play 4 v 4.
• Goals are set up (4 yards wide).
• Squad is split up evenly (e.g., 6 vs. 6).
• Every player is assigned a "Partner Opponent" from opposing team.
• One "pair" split to become the sweepers. "Sweepers" are changed every three or four minutes.
• Each player can only mark and challenge his assigned opponent.
• The sweeper can challenge anyone, but no one can challenge the sweeper.
• "Sweepers" are restricted to their own half of the field, and are limited to "two touches" maximum on each ball contact.
• Interceptions (not challenges/tackles) are permitted by anyone.
• No one is allowed to handle the ball.

Teaching:

• Encourage players to challenge their opponent without "diving in" and being left trailing.
• Make each player aware of "opponent" at all times.
• When the attack breaks down have former "attacker" react immediately by attempting to recover to defending position "goal-side" of opponent.
• Encourage players to get forward to score.
• Encourage player caught "wrong side" to get back if a teammate loses the ball, but don't criticize them if they are caught out when trying to make a positive forward run.
• Encourage the "sweepers" to block an attack or to be available for a back pass from own team.

Target:

• To outsmart your individual marking opponent both in attack and defense. As a team, to outscore the opposition.