By Sean Reed -
Objective
For this session we are focusing on working with the back four, working as a unit and dealing with balls being played into the area.
Set Up
• Working in the defending half
• Team in red bibs set up with a GK, a back four and a holding midfield player
• Team in black bibs set up as 2 central midfield player, 2 fullbacks, 2 wide players, 2 strikers (this can change depending on whether you want to focus on a different set up for the attacking team)
• The ball will start with the coach who will play out to any of the FB’s or central players.
• Team in possession are looking to move the ball with 2-3 touches
• The defending team will mirror the movement of the ball (side to side) and (up and back)
• The holding CM will remain central and give the opposition someone to play round, plus they will drop in when the ball is played forward or crossed to defend and pick up any 2nd balls
• The coach can encourage when the attacking team play forward (approx 4-5 passes)
• The 1st ball will come from central areas – see diagram 1
• The 2nd ball will be played in from deep from the fullbacks - see diagram 2
• The 3rd ball will be crossed in from high and wide (either wide player or overlapping FB) – see diagram 3
• As the session progresses the balls played in can vary
• The wide players can try to take on the FB
1st Ball
2nd Ball
3rd Ball
Some Coaching Points
• Focusing on the defending team here are some of the key coaching points
• Maintaining a good line
• Communication and organizing
• Maintaining good distance between individuals and units
• Side on
• Mirroring the movement of the ball
• Centrally strong
• FB getting out to the wide player to stop the cross
• Opposite FB narrow up
• Be in the picture looking out
• 1st Contact on the ball and picking up 2nd balls
• GK Communicating and organizing
• Good distance between back line and GK to allow the GK to come for crosses
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship side Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.
Web - www.seanjreed.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
