Setup
22 players take their positions according to the diagram on the full field, and two goals are set up on both goal lines. Two 11-player teams are formed. The player positions are assigned as follows: 2 forwards, one player each on the right and left flanks, two midfielders in the half positions, behind them the two centre backs and fullbacks, and a goalkeeper. The yellow-red team positions the back four in line formation 20-25 m in front of their own goal (8-12 metres spacing between each), in front of them the four-player midfield line, and in front of them the two forwards.
Procedure
Both teams play in a 4-4-2 formation. The defensive, midfield, and forward lines are constantly required to execute the movement patterns of the back four and forward pair. The team in possession plays in a 2-4-4 formation with two offensive wide players and two advancing fullbacks and tries to score through quick ball circulation, switches of play, overlapping runs, dribbling, crosses, and through balls. The centre back or goalkeeper initiates the build-up play. The offside rule applies.
Tip
- The focus of this game format is on practising defensive movement patterns as a team unit with the follow-up actions of 'quick transition from defence to attack' and ball control after winning the ball. Additionally, the attacking team practices playing against a compactly organised defensive team, with the emphasis on pressing immediately after losing the ball. - The movement patterns of the players in the back four are toward the ball, forward and back, or tucking in to the left and right. Players often tuck in while moving forward. However, depth staggering should be created. Therefore, the player must tuck in while running sideways and backward. Additionally, the midfielders should always double-team with the defenders. - The two defensive back fours and the forwards always act as a unit and must not get too far apart. - The goal for the defending team is to either win possession or push the ball-carrying attacker into the non-dangerous area toward the side and block his passing lane to the goal/to his teammate through double-teaming or tucking in. The midfielder tries to double-team or close down the passing lane. - On offence, constant movement and quick, precise passing is required. According to the 4-4-2 formation, depth staggering of the players must be ensured, and consequently movement on a flat line must be avoided (depth staggering means creating passing options). The wide players should use the full width of the field and be positioned at the sideline. - When the attack goes through the wide players, the half-position players try to overlap or act as pass receivers and crossers in the back area. The wide player has the option to dribble, cross, or pass the ball on. - Through passes into depth (to the forwards), the defensive line is forced into forward movement. By switching the ball to the flanks, the defensive line is forced to shift forward and to the side. This results in the attacking team gaining space in depth, as well as the opportunity to switch play diagonally to the open side. - The two half-central midfielders should serve as passing options for the centre backs, wide players, and forwards, and through their movement they constantly form triangles and thus playing options. If the centre is open, they can bridge it with a quick dribble toward goal. If the back four has pushed up too far or has large gaps, they play the through ball. - The passers in the back should not push up too close to the players in front and should always maintain 30-40 metres distance from the forwards, so they permanently have the play in front of them and can 'run onto' balls to quickly relay them with one touch. - The players in the back four have the option to switch play with diagonal balls. - 2 full-size goal(s)