Pressure Back Four Slide

Objective

• -Coach the defensive line sliding across together
• -Maintain distances between defenders
• -Cover and balance behind the pressing player

Setup

1. 1A back line facing three attacking stations across the pitch in a 42 x 32 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
3. 3Balls at each attacking station, bibs for the defensive unit.

How to play

1. 1Ball is switched between attacking stations and the line slides across.
2. 2The nearest defender presses while the others tuck in and cover.
3. 3Freeze the picture occasionally to check distances.
4. 4The defender is released the moment the ball leaves the server's foot.
5. 5The working player scores by completing the action before pressure arrives; the defender scores by blocking it.

Progressions

• +Defender starts level rather than behind
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Defender presses at jogging pace only
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two defenders alternate so pressure is constant
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -One defender flying out alone
• -Line stretching across the pitch
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press