Objectives 

• 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); to encourage attackers to "elude" tight marking.  Even if your team uses Zonal Marking, man-marking will be needed in certain situations.

Organization 

• Field size according to numbers and ages (approximately 65 x 45 yards) with halfway line.
• Goals/poles are set up (4 yards wide).
• Squad is split up evenly (e.g., 6 vs. 6).
• Every player is assigned "Partner Opponent" from opposing team.
• One "pair" split to become the sweepers ─ "sweepers" are changed every three minutes.
• Each player can only mark and challenge his assigned opponent.
• The sweeper can challenge anyone.
• 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.
• Don't go for much more than 12-15 minutes with this activity.           

Coaching Points 

• Show players how 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.
• Carefully select the "match-ups" ─ two "lazy" players may come to an "agreement."
• 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.
• Position "sweeper" to block an attack or to be available for a back pass from own team. 

Challenge 

• To outsmart your individual marking opponent both in attack and defence; as a team, to outscore the opposition.