Back Four Shifting Shape

Objective

• -Shift as a unit with the ball
• -Hold a compact defensive line
• -Communicate press, drop and squeeze

Setup

1. 1Back four plus a keeper on a half pitch.
2. 2Four attackers passing across the pitch in front of them.
3. 3Cone line marking the offside reference.

How to play

1. 1Attackers pass the ball across, defenders shift and adjust the line.
2. 2On a coach call the ball goes live for a 4v4 to goal.
3. 3Five shadow sequences then a live phase.

Progressions

• +Add midfielders in front of the back line
• +Attackers can play in behind

Regressions

• -Walk through the shifting pattern
• -Slow the passing tempo

Variations

• -Back three version
• -Score for the defence when they win it and reach a target

Common mistakes

• -Ball watching and losing the line
• -Two defenders pressing the same player
• -Line dropping too deep too early