8v8 Game - Defending with Four
8v8 Game - Defending with Four

Players Required:16
Balls Required:Yes
Goals Required:2 large

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.