Fence Four

Objective

• -Show how defenders and midfielders form a shape to start attacks
• -Help players create safe passing options under light pressure
• -Improve width and depth in build-up

Setup

1. 1Set a 28 x 22 yard area with cones.
2. 2Place four poles or cones to create a back line shape.
3. 3Split players into two teams, with one team building out.

How to play

1. 1The build-up team starts with a ball at the back and tries to pass through the area.
2. 2They must use the back line and midfield players to create angles.
3. 3The pressing team applies controlled pressure but does not tackle hard.
4. 4If the ball is played out cleanly, the build-up team scores a point.
5. 5Swap the teams after each round.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -All players dropping too deep
• -Bad body shape when receiving
• -Long hopeful passes too early