IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
COVENTRYCITY Andy Thorn
Balancing the back four
Overview:
This session is about the back four working as a unit. It looks for them to clear the ball past a target when dealing with a range of deliveries from different areas of the pitch.
It’s important to practise this because in the last 10-15 minutes of close games, opposition teams looking for a goal will launch the ball into the box. A strong defensive unit needs to be able to deal with this threat.
Defenders are often tired by this point too, so practising good technique is essential in clearing the danger properly, particularly as bad clearances often instigate further waves of attack.
In one of my first games in charge at Coventry City we conceded a late 94th-minute goal to Preston North End. That goal cost us a vital point. In response, we practised the principles outlined in this session, and went on to record clean sheets against Watford, Portsmouth and Reading.
BALANCING THE BACK FOUR
SET-UP AREA
Half pitch EQUIPMENT
Balls, bibs, cones, goal NUMBER OF PLAYERS
10 plus keeper SESSION TIME
One hour
What do I get the players to do?
Using a half pitch, we construct the back four, with six servers (number 1 to 6) scattered around the outside of the box in a horseshoe pattern. Each server stands in a 7x7-yard square. A line of mannequins is placed 10 yards outside the penalty box. (1a)
Each server, in turn, delivers a ball into the box, with variation between lofted balls, whipped balls and fizzed centres. The objective for defenders is to head the ball clear over the line of mannequins, achieving height and distance. They then quickly squeeze out before retreating back to their starting positions. We run through 12 sets in quick succession before resting. (1b)
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
Each defensive tactic is held together by one important element - communication.
As for specific instructions, the only player allowed to backpedal to head the ball is the full-back.
60 Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Here, the second centre- back calls for the ball and makes a confident clearance
www.elitesoccercoaching.net KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
The centre-back calls and attacks the ball
1b 1a
KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble 2
Upon clearing, the defensive line squeezes out before retreating back to their original positions
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