IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
BALANCING THE BACK FOUR
Andy Thorn COVENTRYCITY
As a player, Andy Thorn starred in the top flight for Crystal Palace, Wimbledon, Newcastle United.
The FA Cup left a lasting impact on Thorn’s 14-year playing career. First, he helped Wimbledon to cup final success in 1988 against Liverpool, then defeated the Merseysiders again in Palace’s memorable 4-3 semi-final triumph in 1990.
Thorn stepped into management, initially joining Coventry from Everton as chief scout. A spell in caretaker charge at the Ricoh Arena led to him being given the job on a permanent basis following the departure of Aidy Boothroyd, and he now looks forward to his first full season in charge of the npower Championship side.
If a cross is delivered over the first centre- half, we are looking for his fellow centre-half to judge the flight, offer a shout, and attack it.(2) This ensures the ball is always attacked on the front foot, which means clearances have power, direction and control.
When a ball is delivered from wide positions, defenders should be starting in line with it. Assuming a block isn’t made by him, the cross will often clear the first full-back because he has gone to press the ball. The other three defenders must therefore deal with the cross. Again, no-one should backpedal. If the ball goes over the first centre-back’s head, he requires a shout from the second defender or opposite full-back. (3a)
And clearing headers should not be downwards because in matches this invites opposition players to attack a low bouncing loose ball. (3b)
How doI progress the session?
“The first centre-back should not backpedal – he needs a shout from the second defender or opposite full- back.”
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
We instruct crosses out of sequence so that defenders have to regroup quickly. Replace the mannequins with attackers so that any misplaced clearances can be fired back at goal.
As a final progression, we allow the attackers to challenge for crosses so as to make the practice as game- real as possible.(4)
3a KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Defenders are in line with the cross from out wide and the full-back calls for it
3b
KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble 4
With no communication defenders have squeezed out even though the full- back’s clearance is poor
KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Here the practice is progressed and the cross is fully opposed
Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1 61
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