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Their keeper aims long for their target striker. Our strikers press their centre-backs so the short option is gone.
Drawn for 11v11 4-4-2. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.
Step by step Their keeper aims long for their target striker. Our strikers press their centre-backs so the short option is gone. Our centre-back attacks the header; the other drops behind as cover. Midfield collapses into the landing zone. Headed away into our midfield. Second ball is ours. When to use it Against direct teams, on small or poor pitches, and in the wind.
Coaching points One centre-back attacks the ball; the other drops in behind as cover. Get contact on their target before the ball arrives, legally. Midfielders collapse into the landing zone for the second ball. Full-backs tuck in to cover the flick-on. Press the passer: a long ball under pressure is a bad long ball. Who does what Position Their job Attacking centre-back Wins the header. Covering centre-back Drops behind for the flick-on. Midfielders Win the second ball. Strikers Press their passers. Keeper Sweeps behind the back line.
When they change it If they… You… Their target always wins it Put your best header on them and have the cover player even closer. They go long down the channels Full-backs drop earlier; the centre-back covers across. They win every second ball Midfield sits deeper and closer to the back line.
Common mistakes Both centre-backs going for the same header. Midfielders watching the ball instead of moving to the landing area. Letting their passers kick it long with no pressure. At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11
7v7 One defender attacks, the other covers; the keeper sweeps.
9v9 Middle defender attacks, wide ones cover.
11v11 The board: a 4-4-2 dealing with a goal kick aimed at their target. See the full 11v11 4-4-2 formation guide for the shape, positions and drills.
Drills to practise it Questions coaches ask How do you defend against long balls? Attack the header, cover behind it, win the second ball, and press the passer.
Should our defenders drop deeper? A little, so the ball doesn't go over them, but not so deep that the midfield gap gets huge.
How do you win second balls? Crowd the area where the ball is likely to land, and be first to react.
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