Back four - Left centre-back covering after through ball into the gap
AgeU6 - U13, U14 - U19
Training SetProgression, Main point
Number of Players1 - 5 players, 6 - 9 players
Setup
The four blue defenders A, B, C, and D line up in the basic formation of the back four (in a line). The ball is with player E.
Procedure
Player E plays a through ball from the left attacking side into the gap between right back A and right centre-back B. Now the nearest centre-back C must chase down the ball. Once C has the ball under control, he returns to his position and the exercise starts again.
Tip
- This is a walkthrough exercise. No tackles take place. It primarily serves to learn the running path. - The exercise should be trained with as many repetitions as possible (automating the movement patterns). - The focus is solely on the running path of the left centre-back. He should be sensitised to make this run without hesitation in a comparable game situation, since players A and B can only react with a delay (as they still need to turn). - In the basic formation, the lateral distances between players are 7-12 metres. - C starts as soon as the ball is played by E and it is clear that it will go through the gap. - 1 full-size goal(s)