Gafferbook
Defending ยท U12 to adult

Back four: step up and drop together

The back four steps up when the ball goes backwards or is under pressure, and drops when the passer has time. Teaches the line to move as one.

U12 to adultAges
4 to 8 defenders plus attackersPlayers
Half pitchArea
15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Back four across the pitch; coach and attackers in midfield.
  • Coach shows 'ball under pressure' or 'open ball'.

Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls

How it works

  1. Open ball (passer has time): drop a few metres together.
  2. Ball pressured or played backwards: step up together.
  3. Add attackers making runs to test the line.

Coaching points

  • Watch the ball and the passer's time.
  • Move together: talk and keep the line.
  • Centre-backs lead the call.

Formations this drill suits

4-3-3 (11v11) drills4-4-2 (11v11) drills4-2-3-1 (11v11) drills

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Walk it through

Make it harder

  • Live attackers with through balls

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

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