Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): U13-U21 Session - Coaching The Back 4

FIFA 11+ Warm-up (10 mins)

FIFA 11+ - Proven to improve strength and reduce injury

Refer to if you want entire warm-up:

http://www.f-marc.com/downloads/workbook/11plus_workbook_e.pdf

Part 1

The course is made up of six pairs of parallel cones, approximately 6 yards apart. Two players start at

the same time from the first pair of cones, jog along the inside of the cones and do the various exercises on the way. After the last cone, they run back along the outside. On the way back, speed

can be increased progressively as players warm up.

1. Jog through 5 times

2. Hip out (groin movement) - 2 sets

3. Hip in (groin movement) - 2 sets

4. Circle partner - 2 sets

5. Jumping with shoulder contact - 2 sets

6. Quick forward and backwards sprints - 2 sets

Back 4 Shadow (40 mins)

Set up:

Players are divided in groups of 8. If there are extra players who are not going to do back 4 work, then finishing can be done or 4 v 2 (whichever coach prefers).

4 players are lined up across another 4.

How It Works:

One team passes ball across (hold for 2 seconds before passing) and the back 4 (green) must react as ball moves. In the picture above, you can see the RCB steps as the ball moves in his/her zone. The LCB who is pressuring ball drops immediately to protect the RCB. The LB shifts inside as the ball is moving to other side and the RB moves a little towards the right to protect that side but also in a position to protect the RCB.

Notice the body shape of the supporting defenders. They are sideways, ready to run back in case a ball is sent through.

General Things To Watch:

1. When ball is near box, there is only 1 line of cover.

2. When ball is wide (next image), there should be 2 lines of cover because of the angle the cross creates. It is very dangerous to only have 1 line when the ball is wide (unless ball is already near touch line).

Rotate teams roles after coach is happy with one team's movement.

Progression:

Attacking team tries to score. Defending team can only intercept the ball, cannot tackle it from attackers. If ball is exposed by bad touch or trying to run past defender then defenders can steal ball. If defenders win ball, they attack and try to score in small goals. Once play finishes with defending team (regardless of who it goes out off), then attacking team restarts.

Keys:

1. Players stay in zones. Players pressure ball when in their zone.

2. One line of cover when ball in middle and 2 lines of cover when ball is wide.

3. Support players should be facing ball but more sideways to be ready to defend through balls.

4. Player drops immediately when ball leaves zone to not allow through balls.

5. Centre Backs control offside line.

6. Give away far side of field so that defence stays compact.

Attackers vs. Back 4 + HM (25 mins)

Set up:

Attackers vs. back 4 + 1 holding midfielder + Keeper. Game takes place in 1 half of field.

6-9 attackers vs. back 4 + 1 HM and keeper. This is a great indication to the team how hard it is to score if the back 4 do their job well.

How It Works:

Attacking midfielders always restart possession. Offside in effect. Attackers begin with ball each time ball goes out of play. If defenders win ball they try to score on 1 of 3 goals. If defenders lose ball then restart with attackers from midfield.

General Things To Watch:

1. When ball is near box, there is only 1 line of cover.

2. When ball is wide (next image), there should be 2 lines of cover because of the angle the cross creates. It is very dangerous to only have 1 line when the ball is wide (unless ball is already near touch line).

Keys:

1. Players stay in zones. Players pressure ball when in their zone.

2. One line of cover when ball in middle and 2 lines of cover when ball is wide.

3. Support players should be facing ball but more sideways to be ready to defend through balls.

4. Player drops immediately when ball leaves zone to not allow through balls.

5. Centre Backs control offside line. RB/LB most times shouldn't be behind CBs.

6. Give away far side of field so that defence stays compact.