Underload Back Four Slide

Pitch diagram

Objectives

• -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. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
3. 3Balls at each attacking station, bibs for the defensive unit.

Coaching instructions

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 attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Common mistakes

• -One defender flying out alone
• -Line stretching across the pitch
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early