4v4 SHAPE ATTACKING
SET UP & FOCUS:
– USING MF ATTACKING TO TEACH PRINCIPLES IN ATTACK.
– 4v4 in middle with 6 outside players. Players on the outside represent FBs on the sides (two touch) and two players on either end (one touch if possible) representing STRs/CBs.
– FBs can only play in the defending 1/2 of the field.
– Possession determined when ball goes to an end …. when ball goes to one end, those players are now the CBs and the team attempts to attack the other end (the other two STRs).
1. Players flattening out next to the player on the side that has the ball. Ensure that if a MF flattens out ‘LOW’ then the FB moves into a ‘HIGH’ position so they are not on the same line. Can the MF bring a defender toward them by flattening out so a pass can be played to the FB in a more advanced position.
2. Players can only play through the other midfielders and not around them. This develops patience in attack by starting over, going side to side using FBs and creates the challenge for the attackers to unlock the pass ‘through’ with ball and player movement.
4v4 SHAPE EXERCISE FOR DEFENDING
SET UP & FOCUS:
– USING MF DEFENDING TO TEACH PRINCIPLES.
– 4v4 in middle with 6 outside players. Players on the outside represent FBs on the sides (two touch) and two players on either end (one touch if possible) representing STRs/CBs.
– FBs can only play in the defending 1/2 of the field.
– Possession determined when ball goes to an end …. when ball goes to one end, those players are now the CBs and the team attempts to attack the other end (the other two STRs).
1. 1st Defender: Closest player close down (DENY a ball forward, DELAY their forward progress, DEFLECT them one side or the other.
2. 2nd Defenders: COVER first while keeping your player in vision (see ball and see player without turning head.
3. 3rd Defenders: BALANCE.
Team DROP DOWN and close the curtains
4v4 SHAPE ATTACKING
SET UP & FOCUS:
– USING MF ATTACKING TO TEACH PRINCIPLES IN ATTACK.
** The SET UP change compared to the previous exercises include cones at each end which limit the positions where the CBs can support and play. At one end the CBs must stay narrow opening up the space between the CB and FB for a MFer to flatten out into. At the other end the CBs stay wide opening up the space between the two CBs for a MFer to flatten out into. Depending on coach preference whether they want CBs split in games or narrow.
