Back Four Shifting Unit

Objective

• -Shift as a connected back line
• -Hold and squeeze the line together
• -Cover behind the pressing full-back

Setup

1. 1Back four across the pitch with cones marking shifting reference lines.
2. 2Four servers spread across the width to move the ball.
3. 3Keeper in goal behind the line.

How to play

1. 1Servers pass across the width and the back line shifts to stay compact.
2. 2On a forward pass the nearest defender presses and others cover.
3. 3Two minutes work, one minute talk-through.

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

• -Line breaking and stretching
• -Ball watching instead of shifting
• -No talk between defenders