Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defensive Function - Back 4 - squeze play & dont sit deep

Function - Back 4 squeezing play (30 mins)

Organisation

- Ball is played long from the half way line into the back 4 who should dictate their own starting

position.

- The Red Back 4 try to win the first ball and then squeeze the play upon clearing the ball.

- Starting position of back 4 (NOT too deep)

- When the back 4 win the ball they must squeeze play and not stay deep

- When the Red team win the ball they must look to score in one of the 2 target goals on the half way

line,

- Blue look to compete for the first ball and win the second ball. Upon doing so they can score in the

large goal.

- Red Team have 15 second to score when they win the ball

Key Factors

- Pressure, cover and balance

- Starting position of back 4 (NOT too deep)

- When the back 4 win the ball they must squeeze play and not stay deep

- CB communicate to CM on positioning

- Stay narrow and compact

- Positive starting position for GK, on front foot to cut out through balls

- Dont sit too deep, squeeze the play when possible.

* Opposition head down - squeeze play

* Opposition head up - drop off - if appropriate.

Defending Key Points

- Apply pressure to the opposition - Who, When, Where, How

- Who, when and where is pressure, cover and balance applied

- How are pressure, cover and balance provided to direct play or prevent penetration

- Side on Approach - Dont get caught flat

- Compact and Narrow Unit shape

- Show Inside/Outside

- Communication

- Angles and Distances of support

- Decision Making

- Tracking Runners

- Recovery Runs