Defending with Four
Defending with Four
This session is designed to improve the coordination, communication, and movement of the back four when defending in and around their own penalty area.
For this session, we use half of a full field.
The session is designed for players U14 and Up.
The equipment needed is balls, cones, pinnies (two colors), two large goals and three small goals.
The total session is about 90 minutes long.
The second activity, 4v4 Group Rotation, is designed to introduce and reinforce the fundamentals of defending as a back four. For the first 10 minutes, run the activity as a walk-through. Keep the tempo slow and deliberate, emphasizing the movement and coordination of the back four and the goalkeeper. Focus on clear communication, proper body shape, and collective shifting as a unit.
Dynamic Warm Up
Two rows of players
Start with jog to cone 18y away
Perform variety of dynamic movements
Finish with sprints
Proper execution of the movements.
Focus and concentration.
4v4, Group Rotation
The teams play 4v4, and the defenders are not allowed to tackle. They are allowed to steal passes, pick up loose balls and block shots. When they win the ball, the defenders can score on the two small goals. The Feeder re-starts play.
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Always pressure the ball.
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Contain the play and do not get beat 1v1.
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The goalkeeper is the boss.
Focus on the movement of the back four. They should pressure but not win the ball.
The attackers should mainly focus on moving the ball from side to side quickly to make the defenders move. Don't focus on creating chances.
Add a second midfielder to make it 5v4+GK.
6v4, Defending the Box
The players are 6v4 in the final third. The Feeder begins play with a pass in to any one of the six attackers. If the defenders win the ball, they can score on the two small goals placed out on the flanks. Upon completion, the Feeder re-starts play.
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Always pressure the player with the ball.
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Be patient and contain the play. Do not stick a foot in.
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Cover the most dangerous players first.
Focus on the movement of the back four.
Movement side to side, but also move up as a unit when the ball is played away from the goal.
The goalkeeper should be communicating constantly with the defenders.
Variation: the goalkeeper starts the activity with distributing the ball to one of the attacking midfielders.
8v8 Game - Defending with Four
Half field
8v8, focus on back four
1-4-21 vs 1-3-1-3 formations
Regular rules
Focus on the movement of the back four.
Movement side to side, but also move up as a unit when the ball is played away from the goal.
The goalkeeper should be communicating constantly with the defenders.
After winning the ball, can we find the attacker (9) quickly?
Team Cool Down - Bayer Leverkusen
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