Video

Defending the long ball

Example of back 4 dealing with a long ball. The defender who attacks the ball is moving forward into it with the rest of the back 4 dropping off behind and closing in to reduce the gaps between them. The midfielders are in contact with the back 4 so they can double up on any striker who controls it or deal with any lose ball.

Pressure Between the Lines

Players will try and receive between our defensive and midfield lines. We must ensure that there is pressure on these players, otherwise, will be able to pick the passes and split the back line.

The preference is for a midfielder to be arriving with or before the ball, defenders can also step in to the area, but if we do, the back line need to deepen and close the gaps and/or a midfielder needs to fill in.

Protect the Goalden zone- Encourage Opponents Wide

We want to encourage other teams to play in the wide area, while we maintain an overload in the Central areas where the goals are! That can mean that wide man on the other side is left alone but we have plenty time to get across while the ball is moving to that side.

Defending Ball 'in behind' Full Back

Full Back must start as part of the back four to allow him to hold the inside ground. Body Position must allow a quick start toward the player on the ball in the wide area. If we cannot arrive with or before the ball, we want to keep our legs in the way of the cross. It is effectively a race to the corner flag while closing the distance between the full back and attacker until we can get contact. When we are able to use our body to regain possession then we do so.

Recovery runs

The desire to regain possession if we lose it.

Stirling back 4 dealing with long ball from keeper

Starting line roughly where keeper kicks backwards as ball moves to be able to come forward into ball and attack. One player comes forward to win ball, remaining players deepen behind to deal with any breaks, misses or flicks.

Stopping the cross after the winger has passed full back

First team in the defensive third man for man, controlling numbers all contributing.

Getting to the ball side to meet the cross 1v1 in the box

First center back getting to an area where he can cut cross,to meet ball before any striker coming across.