Functional Practice - Back Four Defending as a Unit

To develop the players understanding of defensive roles and responsibilities within the system
To deny opposition time and space on the ball and win back possession

Rules
The ball starts with the opposition CM and can be played to either of the
three attacking players.
Success is achieved if the red team can either force a mistake or win
back the ball. If the ball is won the team can counter attack and try to
score by getting across the halfway line.
Duration of 30-40 minutes. Or 2 x 15/20 mins with the teams changing
roles at half-time. (Intensity 90%).

Development
The practice can begin with limited pressure until there is complete understanding. It is important that all players are aware of their positioning
and their roles and responsibilities within the system. Once this is
achieved the game can be played as an 11v11.

Coaching Points
The first diagram shows the ball passed from the CM into the CF. One
CB will move to get tight to the CF with the aim of winning the ball or
stopping the CF from turning. The other CB will take up a cover position (as shown). If the CF moves across the pitch from left to right them
the CB should pass the player on to the other CB and take the cover
responsibilities. CBs should avoid crossing over and should be encouraged to communicate.

Area
Half pitch

Team
Two teams - 4v4, plus goalkeepers, progressing to 9v9 and eventually
11v11. One team is identified as the defending side.

Layout
Team in red play as a back four and will eventually add midfield players.
The team in blue will eventually setup as a 2xCM, WR, WL and 2xCF.
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Functional Practice - Back Four Defending as a Unit

To develop the players understanding of defensive roles and responsibilities within the system
To deny opposition time and space on the ball and win back possession

Coaching Points

Coaching Points

The second diagram highlights the movement of the other three defenders as the ball is placed into the CFs feet. The FBs will tuck in to the
width of the 18 yard box, the nearest FB will also be in a cover position
behind the marking CB.

The third diagram shows the ball passed out to the WR and the FB closing the ball down. In this position, unless the WR is tight to the touchline, the FB should show the player inside where there is cover from the
CB and eventually midfield players. If the FB shows outside and the
WR beats them then there is 20-30 yards of space for the WR to run. If
the WR is between the 18 yard and the goal line then the FB should
show outside and take the player away from goal and try to deny the
cross.

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Phase of Play - Back Four Defending as a Unit

To develop the players understanding of defensive roles and responsibilities within the system
To deny opposition time and space on the ball and win back possession

Coaching Points

Coaching Points

The fourth example represents defending further up the pitch. As the

ball is played wide the WL will close down the opposition FB. The LB
will mirror this movement and get close to the opposition WR. The resulting pressure may force the opposition to play infield. In this example
the DM has an important role to play in applying double pressure when
possible and also intercepting any passes that are made into the centre
midfield area.

The fifth example highlights that if the opposition WR move infield the
LB should not follow their run but instead pass the player on to either
the CB or the DM. The LB should be aware of runs made into the channel behind them from either an overlapping FB or one of the CFs.

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Phase of Play - Back Four Defending as a Unit

To develop the players understanding of defensive roles and responsibilities within the system
To deny opposition time and space on the ball and win back possession

Notes

Coaching Points
The final example highlights the movement of the CBs if there is no
pressure on the ball in centre midfield. With no pressure on the ball
there is a chance that a long ball may be played in behind the CBs. In
this situation one of the CBs should drop into a cover position (as
shown) with the other tracking the movement of the CFs.

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