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Initial setup. 1 has the ball at the top, 5 on the left wing.
DESCRIPTION
A back four defends against four attackers in a half-pitch scenario. Drills the shape, communication, and shifting required to defend as a unit. The foundation of team defending.
COACHING POINTS
• Stay compact — no gaps between defenders
• Press the ball, cover the next pass — never both defenders ball-watching
• Shift as a unit when the ball moves wide
• Communication: 'press!', 'hold!', 'tuck in!'
• Force play wide, don\'t let attackers get central
Progression: add a goalkeeper. Defenders must clear into a target zone to score. Time limit on attackers to break the line.
Regression: 4v3, attackers must walk.