Defensive Mastery: The Tactical Defending Clinic

Defensive Mastery

FOCUS ON YOUR DEFENDING

This specialized 5-week clinic targets the forgotten art of elite defending to build the high-IQ players who actually win championships. Youth players, boys and girls of all ages, will transform from purely physical players into master tacticians who dominate through superior technique and decision-making.
The comprehensive curriculum goes beyond simple tackling to master the exact mechanics of 1v1 body shapes, smart interception techniques, and instant defensive reactions after losing possession. By treating defending as a skilled craft rather than a physical chore, players learn how to read the game, delay attackers, and orchestrate the pitch from the back.

Registration

Registration information

PRICING:
$275 for 5 sessions (Open to Boys & Girls)

LOCATION
Bethesda Indoor Facility (8717 Grovemont Circle, Gaithersburg, MD 20877)

Time:
6:30-8:00 PM

Schedule

Clinic #1
September 4, 11, 18, 25
October 2
 

Staff

Daniel Zapata - Clinic Director and Head Coach.
  • Scouting and Game Analysis Specialist - MBP School - Barcelona.
  • USSF National C. 
  • Bethesda Soccer Club GM. 
  • BSC - YDP Academy head coach. 
  • Former Maryland Bobcats U19 - U23 APSL Head Coach. 
  • Former Talentos Envigado U15 - U23 Assistant Coach, Colombia.
  • Former GK/Striker clinic director - SAM Soccer.
     
Jelani Morgan - Assistant Coach.
  • USSF Grassroots. 
  • BSC - YDP Head Coach. 
  • BSC - Juniors clinic coach. 
 
Samuel Zapata - Assistant Coach.
  • USSF Grassroots.
  • Former BSC Academy I player. 
  • Former Germanton City player - UPSL.
  • Former VA Marauders FC player - USL 2.

Curriculum

Overall Curriculum by week: 
 
Week 1: The Foundation of 1v1 Defending (Body Shapes & Footwork)
Week 2: The Art of Delaying & Directing (Patience & Timing)
Week 3: Interceptions & Reading the Game (Anticipation & IQ) - Plus Video Analysis
Week 4: Defensive Transition (The Reaction Phase)
Week 5: Tactical Group Defending (The Championship Blueprint) - Video Analysis included

If you have any questions about the program, please contact BSC's Daniel Zapata at dzapata@bethesdasoccer.org.

For billing questions, please get in touch with our Office Manager, Zane Campbell, at office@bethesdasoccer.org.