Back line shifting with the ball
Four (or three) defenders stay connected and shift across as the attackers move the ball across the pitch, before the attackers try to play through. Works for a back four or a back three.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Back line in front of the keeper; four to six attackers in an arc 30 m out.
- Coach on the side with balls.
Equipment: Cones, balls, goal, bibs
How it works
- Attackers pass across the arc slowly at first; the back line slides and steps with each pass.
- On the coach's shout, attackers try to play through and score.
- Defenders win it and pass to the coach: one point.
Coaching points
- Stay roughly 10 m apart, like being joined by a rope.
- Nearest defender steps to the ball; the rest drop and cover.
- Hold the line together; one voice organises it.
Formations this drill suits
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Attackers pass only, no dribbling
Make it harder
- Attackers can go at any time
- Add a midfield screen of two
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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