SIMEONE, LATERAL CENTER DEFENDER

1️⃣ Exercise Description

A 1 vs. 1 on the flank, within a specific lateral lane, with the aim of working on the defensive duel to prevent crosses into the box. The attacker tries to overflow and cross after reaching the back line, while the defender tries to prevent the cross from happening, either by blocking the way or intercepting the shot.

2️⃣ Organization and Development

📍 Organization:

• Space: Double area, with a delimited side lane next to the large area.

• Players: 1×1 pairs alternating roles (attacker and defender).

• Material: Cones or tapes to delimit the lateral lane, balls.

⚙️ Development:

• The attacker receives the ball and initiates an individual action of overflow.

• His goal is to reach the back line and deliver a cross into the box .

• The defender, within that same lateral strip, must avoid the center, using different ways of defending: correct profiling, anticipation or interception of the shot.

• Roles are alternated after several repetitions.

4️⃣ Tips and Highlights

🛡️ Keys to Exercise:

• Defender's body reading: knowing when to time and when to intervene.

• Space management: do not let your back be won and do not allow a comfortable center.

• Leg work and balance: low position, lateral step, and attention to the attacker's change of pace.

• Tolerance to repeated grief: management of effort and concentration in continuous situations.

3️⃣ Variants

🔄 Possible Adaptations:

• Natural or switched foot defense to work on different types of closing.

• Limit the attacker's hitting zone (e.g., he may only center from the baseline).

• Add a second defender in coverage to simulate defensive aids.

• Work on the low or aerial center as a technical conditioner.