IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
BRENTFORD Andy Scott
Adopting a high back four
Overview:
This session is about defending as a group or unit. It looks at the relationships between players and teaches them how to use recovery moves to maximum advantage.
Recovering quickly and early lays the foundation for a sound defensive platform, something upon which all successful sides are built. At Brentford, we will work on this session on a weekly basis in order to maintain good habits.
ADOPTING A HIGH BACK FOUR
SETUP AREA
Half pitch EQUIPMENT
Ball, goal NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Up to 15 outfield players, 1 goalkeeper
What do I get the players to do?
First, we line the players up in a flat back four, with no opposition. The coach moves the ball around in front of the defence in order to ensure players adapt their position depending on where the ball is.
If the ball is on the right wing, the left-back presses and the three other defenders move across to cover, up to a point where the right-back adopts the right centre-half’s position. If the ball is switched to the other side, the roles reverse, so the left-back comes as far across as the left centre-half’s position.
“The ability to work as a group and as a tight unit is essential in countering the attacking threat.”
With this rehearsed defensive structure, we progress to opposed play, using a 6v4 set-up. Here, two forwards, two wingers and two midfielders attack the back four and attempt to score in the goal. Midfielders are encouraged to constantly switch play to ensure defenders can act on the principles learnt in the initial phase. If a goal is scored, an attack intercepted, or the ball goes dead, the attacking team restarts play near the halfway line.
62 Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1 1 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
The coach moves the ball across in four phases allowing players to rehearse positions as the angle of attacking approach changes
2 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
In a 6v4, attackers move the ball across the pitch looking for space
3 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Defenders work as a unit to organise and tackle when the opportunity arises
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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