Back Line: Back 4 + 2

Set up

Field

Use half a field with 2 gate goals. Mark one starting point on the halfway line near the center circle.

Players

13 or more players. Use 6 Red defenders: 2 CBs, a RFB, a LFB, and 2 CMs. Use 6 White attackers: 2 strikers, 1 attacking midfielder, 1 defensive midfielder, and 2 wingers.

Keeper

Yes. Put 1 goalkeeper in the full goal.

Balls

Keep spare balls on the halfway line for quick restarts.

How it runs

1. 1.The two teams compete: Red defends, tries to retain possession, and can score through the small gate goals, while White attacks the main goal.
2. 2.The attacking defensive midfielder starts each phase by playing the ball out unopposed from the center circle, preferably into an outside midfielder.
3. 3.Coach the defensive unit on the timing of pressure and how the six players function together.
4. 4.Cover when to step or drop, how the unit slides to the strong side, when the back 4 steps on negative passes, when it drops in anticipation of long balls, how the central midfielders screen the back line, how outside backs pressure wide players, the goalkeeper's sweeper role, man versus zonal marking, communication and leadership, and the team's overall defending strategy.