Iowa Western Men's Soccer Coach;
2021 NJCAA National Champions;
2020 NJCAA National Championship Runner-up;
2021 Midwest District Champions;
2x Region XI Champions;
3x ICCAC Champions;
Barton Community College (KS) Head Coach from 2016 to 2019;
University of Central Arkansas Assistant Coach from 2014 to 2016;
Iowa Western Recruiting Coordinator from 2012 to 2014;
2013 NJCAA National Champions;
United Soccer Coaches All-America and Rankings Committee - Chair;
NSCAA Premier Diploma and Goalkeeping Level 2 Diploma;
USSF D LicenseTeam defending relies on quickly regaining shape and getting numbers behind the ball to stop an opposing team's attack, win possession, and counter attack fast. In this video, you will learn the ins and outs of transitional defending and how to help your team recover after turnovers and stifle the opposing attack, including:
- Dropping and Squeezing
- Scanning
- Making Play Predictable
Dropping and Squeezing:
Once possession is lost, it is crucial to regain shape before your opponent can transition into their attack. Using a 2v2 to two-goal game, Coach Brown highlights the importance of dropping back behind the ball immediately after turnovers and closing down critical space to prevent through balls from playing in behind the defense.
Scanning:
Scanning prevents stagnation. Throughout the video, Coach Brown discusses the need for players to constantly be aware of their surroundings and scan the field both offensively and defensively for threats in the event of turnovers. By identifying these threats early, players can react quickly after turnovers and regain their team shape. An added benefit during this segment is that Coach Brown addresses how scanning can make attacking options more effective by helping players identify risks that could lead to potential turnovers and fast counters.
Making Play Predictable:
As gameplay evolves throughout this video, Coach Brown reminds his players about the importance of 'making play predictable'. By squeezing the shape, scanning, and reorganizing, players are able to effectively shape their opponent's attack and play toward their strengths.
Throughout this video, Coach Brown expertly breaks down his turnover progression to help guide players through the critical steps required to recover quickly and stop their opponents from scoring goals.
During the video, coaches can watch practice from start to finish, seeing how drills and games progress to increase the level of difficulty that players must adapt to while working on these defensive themes.
80 minutes. 2024.
RD-06196B: with Mike Brown,
Iowa Western Men's Soccer Coach;
2021 NJCAA National Champions;
2020 NJCAA National Championship Runner-up;
2021 Midwest District Champions;
2x Region XI Champions;
3x ICCAC Champions;
Barton Community College (KS) Head Coach from 2016 to 2019;
University of Central Arkansas Assistant Coach from 2014 to 2016;
Iowa Western Recruiting Coordinator from 2012 to 2014;
2013 NJCAA National Champions;
United Soccer Coaches All-America and Rankings Committee - Chair;
NSCAA Premier Diploma and Goalkeeping Level 2 Diploma;
USSF D LicenseCoach Mike Brown puts a new spin on an old saying by teaching his defenders to 'work harder and smarter' to shut down their opponents.
In 2 v. 2 Defending, players are encouraged to make the opponent predictable. Forcing play wide and cutting off the middle of the field are only achieved by defenders working together.
"Red Bull Chaos" - has players working together in a 6 v. 3, one touch activity. Defenders must 'react and squeeze' to shut down the opposing team. Defenders must react together to have success. Pressing and re-pressing tactics are introduced.
3 v. 3 to Small Goals - trains defenders to work together, protect central areas, and make strong recovery runs. Endless attacking and defending scenarios develop, allowing to train defending in transition. This activity also helps train mental toughness through strong defensive recovery runs to help teammates defend.
Coach Brown has created an environment that allows you to get more out of your defensive training sessions. Brown provides technical coaching points, layers in tactical concepts of pressing and defending in transition throughout three high intensity activities!
51 minutes. 2024.
RD-06196C: with Mike Brown,
Iowa Western Men's Soccer Coach;
2021 NJCAA National Champions;
2020 NJCAA National Championship Runner-up;
2021 Midwest District Champions;
2x Region XI Champions;
3x ICCAC Champions;
Barton Community College (KS) Head Coach from 2016 to 2019;
University of Central Arkansas Assistant Coach from 2014 to 2016;
Iowa Western Recruiting Coordinator from 2012 to 2014;
2013 NJCAA National Champions;
United Soccer Coaches All-America and Rankings Committee - Chair;
NSCAA Premier Diploma and Goalkeeping Level 2 Diploma;
USSF D LicenseIn this video, you will learn how to:
- Play and react fast - playing fast overwhelms the defense's ability to react!
- Get numbers to the ball - and see how the tactical advantage increases!
- Pass with a purpose - and learn why the set-up with a great pass - to the right area - is as important as any other tactical skill!
Play and react fast:
Throughout various games in the session, Coach Brown identifies vital traits to help players react and play fast, enabling them to capitalize on opportunities and score goals. In this segment, Coach Brown emphasizes the benefits of open-body posture and one-touch passing, utilizing two touches only when necessary. Players will learn to transition fast by simplifying play and reacting, creating scoring opportunities.
Getting numbers to the ball:
One of the first objectives of counter attacking is to gain a numerical advantage as fast as possible. By quickly moving toward the ball, offensive players can create scoring chances by overloading the attacking space.
Pass with a purpose:
In this video, Coach Brown demonstrates the importance of passing with a purpose and outlines critical factors that players must identify when playing quickly in transition. These skills include avoiding blind passing and playing passes to avoid easily intercepted balls. Additionally, in transition, Coach Brown expertly instructs his players to look for vertical targets and how to change the point of attack to maintain possession and continue building up the attack.
Throughout this video, Coach Brown explains key foundational principles to help players think and play quickly when attacking in transition. By building out from small-sided to larger-sided games, coaches can see how these critical components are introduced and reinforced while enabling opportunities to play creatively and have fun.
50 minutes. 2024.
