DrillsPedia

Defender Clear And Connect

When a loose ball arrives, the defender clears it away from danger and looks for the next pass.

How to set it up
CONTROL THE NEXT ACTION

A simple setup view for this drill.

Setup

Set a small goal or channel with two target gates beyond it. The feeder sends a ball toward the defender, who clears into a safe gate and then supports the next pass.

Steps

  1. Start side-on with the ball in view.
  2. Deal with the ball using the safest available surface.
  3. Clear toward a target gate, not into the middle.
  4. Move to support the next pass.
  5. Switch the starting side after five repetitions.

Coaching points

  • See the danger before the ball arrives.
  • Clear wide when the middle is crowded.
  • Stay balanced through contact.
  • The clearance is the first action, not always the last.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging without looking.
  • Clearing straight into the middle.
  • Standing still after the clearance.
  • Adding pressure before the defender can control the first action.

Make it easier

Roll the ball in slowly and use wide gates.

Make it harder

Add a recovering attacker or require the defender to receive and pass when the ball is safe.

How to know it is working

The defender clears away from danger and is ready to support the next action within a few steps.

Safety

Use controlled feeds, safe distances, and no sliding tackles on hard ground.

Next practice

Pick one short session. Stop while the child still wants another turn.