Defending with Four

Organization:

Area: 20y x 10y

Create two rows of players who work in pairs during the exercise.

Players jog around the cone and back, followed by performing a variety of dynamic movements, such as heel kicks, knee lifts, side steps, karaoke steps, skipping (include arm movements), backwards jogging and running, bounding steps, plant and cuts and so forth. 

When working with couples add shoulder bumps, circling around partner. 

Finish with several sprints of varying intensity.

Variation: Finish the warmup with a tag game.

Coaching Points:

• Proper execution of the movements.

• Focus and concentration.

Set Up:  

There are ten players set up in the attacking third, playing 4v4. The Feeder begins play with a pass to any of the attackers, and they go to goal from there. The defenders are not allowed to tackle, but they are allowed to steal passes and pick up loose balls. When they do win the ball, the defenders can score on the two small goals placed out on the flanks. When a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play, the Feeder re-starts play with the attacking team. 

Coaching Points:

1.  Always pressure the ball. The first priority is to stop the first attacker.

2.  Contain the play, move your feet, and do not get beat 1v1.

3.  The goalkeeper is the boss. He must talk constantly and send players to the ball.

Progressions: 

1.  Progress to 6v4.

Set Up:  

There are 12 players set up in the attacking third, playing 6v4. The Feeder begins play with a pass in to any one of the six attackers. From there, the attackers look to finish on goal, and the defenders look to delay, disrupt or destroy the play. If the defenders win the ball, they can score on the two small goals placed out on the flanks. When a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play, the Feeder re-starts play with the next ball.  

Coaching Points:

1.   Always pressure the player with the ball.

2.   Be patient and contain the play. Do not stick a foot in.

3.   Cover the most dangerous players first. Mark tight on those closest to the ball.   

Progressions: 

1.  Progress to 7v5.

Organization: 

Area: Half field, five to eight yards less than full width.

Create two teams and play seven plus a goalkeeper.  One team plays in a 1-4-2-1 formation, the other team in a 1-3-1-3 formation. The team to focus on is the team with the 4 defenders. 

Game: Keep track of the score.

Variations: 

1. Add a player and play in a 1-3-2-3 formation

Focus Points:

Role of the four defenders:

• Movement; sideways, pushing up and dropping off. Move on the pass. 
• Win the ball back at the right moment. 
• Communication across the line. Constant information, also from the goalkeeper.
• Body shape open to see both ball and central threats.
• Midfielders supporting the four defenders.

Attacking:

• Make the field large.
• Value the ball but playing deep goes over playing wide. 
• Support the attacker on the ball. Make creative runs. 
• Try to beat opponent in 1v1s or with quick combination plays
• Create scoring chances and score. 

Transition:

• After losing the ball, win it back as quickly as possible. Five Second Rule. 
• After winning the ball, explode, go forward and try to create a scoring c hance within 10 seconds. 

The recovery routine starts immediately at the end of the training session. Players complete a relaxed 5 to10 minute jog. The players mix in soccer-specific dynamic movements like light high knees, butt kicks, side shuffles, carioca, walking lunges with rotation, and controlled hamstring sweeps to loosen hips and legs used during play.

After the jog, the players go through a short static stretching circle focusing on hamstrings, quads, calves, hip flexors, groin, and glutes, followed by light lower-back and shoulder stretches to promote recovery, reduce soreness, and help players mentally transition out of the session.

When done, all the players and coaches bring it, call out the team chant, fist bump each other and thank each other fora great session.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIelRyg3Ou8