Soccer Exercise
Triangle Formation for Defensive Cover
- Training Set Progression, Main point
Setup
The team is positioned in the defensive base formation of the 4-4-2 in the defensive pressing zone on the field. The team shifts into the final position shown in the diagram. A ball serves as an orientation point for the players. Positions can easily be filled by multiple players.
Procedure
The goal is to illustrate that the entire team, when the opponent has the ball, moves within a space of only 30-35 metres in width and depth. This makes the space tight for the opponent and allows the opposing team to be aggressively pressured. With this form of shifting and tucking in, triangles are constantly formed (as shown in the diagram). The triangle formation creates mutual cover and narrows the spaces. This makes it difficult for the opponent to break through with a pass or dribble. In the illustrated example, the ball is in a central position in front of right centre midfielder G. The two other ball-near midfielders F and H tuck in behind G (cover shadow) and striker J blocks the passing lane of the ball carrier (not shown in the diagram) backward. The other players also shift toward the ball.
Tip
- This is a walkthrough exercise. No tackles take place. It primarily serves to learn the movement patterns and the formation of triangles. - The exercise should be trained with as many repetitions as possible (automating the movement sequences). - The focus is solely on the movement patterns of the players and the coordinated, synchronised execution. The players should be sensitised to execute the learned movement patterns without much reaction time in similar match situations. - In the base formation, the lateral spacing between players is 7-12 metres. - The depth staggering within the triangles is 8-10 metres. - Constant communication and meticulous correction are necessary.
Training attributes
Training Organization
- Duration
- 10 min
- Training Set
- Progression Main point