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Organization of the Four-Player Defense
20 min
Soccer Exercise

Organization of the Four-Player Defense

  • Age U6 - U13, U14 - U19, Men's / Women's
  • Training Set Main point
  • Number of Players 10-15 players

Setup

• 1 goal
• Divide into 6 defenders against 5 attackers

Procedure

This exercise focuses on transitioning between defending the central zone and shifting towards the flanks.

To practice this, the two players in the middle of the field pass the ball between each other and then suddenly pass it to one of the forwards. The forward immediately passes it to the wide forward. Following this, the four-player defense shifts towards the flank, and the full-back marks the wide forward.

If this is not executed correctly, the wide forward can cross the ball. Otherwise, a back pass is made, and the exercise starts over.

Tip

Coaching Points

• Emphasize proper shifting of defensive players.
• Encourage the right timing for advancing and applying pressure on the opponent (forming a defensive triangle for central attacks, covering the flank and shifting when the attack comes from the sides).
• Block passing lanes.

Training attributes

Technique

Technique
Passing

Tactics

Tactics
Team behavior Player behavior Man down/Man up

Training Organization

Age
U6 - U13 U14 - U19 Men's / Women's
Duration
20 min
Training Set
Main point
Number of Players
10-15 players
Goalkeeper
1 goalkeeper 2 goalies
Form of Training
Group training Team training
Exercise level
Intermediate Difficult