The exercises focus on the defensive phase, with the primary objective to develop the tactical awareness and abilities of the defenders, who are more and more scarce in the modern game of soccer.

These exercises are based on the training methodology used at Italian Serie ‘A’ professional clubs to develop their academy players to highly skilled and tactical astute level.

The organization of the work is divided in two macro sections:

Improvement of the fundamentals of individual tactical abilities

1. Marking/positioning
2. Defending the goal
3. Tackling
4. Anticipation/Intercepting

Development of Coordination Abilities using 1v1 Sistuations

1. Balance
2. Differentiation and rhythmisation skills
3. Motor reaction
4. Motor combination

• Runtime: 65 minutes
• Age Group suitable for: from age 10+.
• Digital Video Download: PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android Phone / Tablet, Kindle Fire

Mirko Mazzantini
ACF Fiorentina Academy Coach

Mirko Mazzantini coached at Empoli FC for 10 years, working with all the main age groups at academy level. In 2010 he was recruited by AFC Fiorentina to work with the U14/U15 Academy teams.

During the 2010/11 season Mirko won the U15 Italian Academy Serie ‘A’ championship.

In 2011/12 Mirko was the Assistant of the Fiorentina Reserve team during pre-season and he was the coach of the ACF Fiorentina U14 team who won the Academy Serie ‘A’ championship and some international tournaments.

Mirko is currently the ACF Fiorentina U15 coach for the 2013/14 season. He is a qualified football coach through the “Young Players Coach” program and a UEFA ‘B’ Licenced Coach, as well as an author of many coaching publications, articles, books and DVDs.

Simone Bombardieri
Empoli FC Academy Coach

Simone Bombardieri played for Empoli FC for 5 years. He then started his career as a coach for the club 15 years ago at the age of 22, where he has been coaching various academy age groups from U9-U14.

In the 2011/12 season, Simone was the coach of the Empoli FC U14 team who reached the final of the Nick Cup International Tournament, where they lost in extra time against Inter Milan. They also finished eighth in the Academy Serie ‘A’ championship.

Simone is currently the Empoli FC U15 coach for the 2013/14 season. He is also a qualified football coach through the “Young Players Coach” program and a UEFA ‘B’ Licenced Coach, as well as an author of many coaching publications, articles, books and DVDs.

• • Level U10+
  • Runtime 65 Minutes
  • Digital Video Download: PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android Phone / Tablet, Kindle Fire