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Shifting the Four-Man Defense Line in 4v4
20 min
Soccer Exercise

Shifting the Four-Man Defense Line in 4v4

  • Age U14 - U19, Men's / Women's
  • Training Set Main point
  • Number of Players 6 - 9 players

Setup

  • 12 cones to mark 6 goals
  • Divide into 2 teams of 4 players

Procedure

  • The yellow team attempts to score on goals D-F against the blue team. The blue team acts as a four-man defense line and tries to prevent this by forming a defensive triangle (for attacks through the center) or the J-defense shape (for attacks from the wings).
  • The aim is to block passing lanes to the goals. Upon winning the ball, the blue team immediately counters and attacks goals A-C. The far side of the ball is neglected, creating numerical superiority near the ball.

Tip

  • Coaching Points:
    • Players near the ball shift out, while those away secure.
    • When the ball is in the center: Form a defensive triangle.
    • When the ball is on the wing: Players near the ball shift out, while others cover behind.

Training attributes

Technique

Technique
Feinting/trick dribbling

Tactics

Tactics
Team behavior Player behavior Transitional play (shifting the game) Transition drill

Training Organization

Age
U14 - U19 Men's / Women's
Duration
20 min
Training Set
Main point
Number of Players
6 - 9 players
Form of Training
Group training
Exercise level
Intermediate
Training Location
Pitch