Midfield Defending Shape (4-3-3)

DESCRIPTION

Set Up

Area: 40x30yrds, 30x20yrds
Time:  for younger players (adjust as necessry) (20mins)

White & Blue vs Red team in the diagram.

3 red midfielders are defending against the two other teams which play together acting as targets for each other at each end.

Coach or assitant coach positioned on the sideline.

The midfield plays with two DMF's and an AMF to simulate a 4-3-3 midfield.

5 min games then switch the roles.

Instructions

All passes must be on the ground.

Targets can play sideways to each other and cannot be tackled by the defending team.

The defending team is free to press the Blue and White team members as close as they need (but cannot tackle).

If a penetrating pass is made through successfully the defending team (i.e. Midfield) turns and defends against the opposite target team. 

If the defending team (Midfield) intercept a pass or win the ball they pass the ball into the coach for a point.

COACHING POINTS

Prevent forward penetrating passes!

Midfield must remain organized and attempt not to cross each other.

The closest midfielder should apply pressure immediately on the ball without over committing to reduce options of the player in possession to pass forward.

The other two defenders take up good supporting positions in relation to the pressing player to block passes and provide cover.

As the ball is passed laterally the players need to communicate and maintain pressure on the ball.  This will involve switching the pressing defender.

Consideration should be given when he ball is played wide to whether to force outside to the touchline or inside into the other defenders whilst still preventing a forward pass as the priority.

When the ball is with a wide target player the defending unit must slide together to remain compact and block any passing channels.

Communication is key.