Soccer Defending

Back Four Shape & Communication

Defenders practise holding a line, compressing, and communicating under a progressive attack.

20 minDuration
8 playersGroup size
IntermediateDifficulty
Half pitchSpace needed
Bibs, conesEquipment

Setup

4 defenders vs 3 attackers. Coach controls pace by holding ball before playing in.

Instructions

  1. Defenders hold a flat line 30 m from goal.
  2. Coach plays ball to an attacker — back four must react.
  3. Nearest CB steps, wingers tuck in, opposite CB covers.
  4. If ball goes wide, line shifts and compresses.

Coaching Points

✓ Call it early: Step, Hold, Drop.
✓ Flat line unless stepping — no V-shapes.
✓ Goalkeeper controls the line from behind.

Progressions

→ Add a 4th attacker (4v4).
→ Introduce offside trap on coach's trigger.
→ Full 11v11 set-piece shape.

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