Thanks for sharing. Ran this drill last night and it worked really well with a group of lower-level U14s that had already had some preliminary Pressure-Cover-Balance training. I was a little concerned that heavily weighted passes would allow the attackers to get around the ends too frequently, but it didn't happen on the grass surface; an agile backline that is paying attention does a good job of quickly closing the passing lane on the outside before the attacker can settle the ball. I found the goals for the defenders to be good, but the goals for the attackers were pretty much useless. I would focus on getting the attackers to 'score' by simply maintaining possession and completing xx number of passes...with some bonus on splitting the defensive line. A commenter below didn't like the way the #6 was playing, but I don't really think that is one of the real objectives of this drill...given their movement back-and-forth through the defensive line. If you simply have them there putting good pressure on the attackers to keep the ball moving, he/she has accomplished that task.
I think it's interesting how when you search up team shape all that comes up is back 4 drills. I watch my daughter's team struggle week after week against teams that simply have better TEAM shape. Make any mistake of a touch and they're there to clip it off you whereas her team runs at the other team as individuals trying to challenge and they get eaten alive in the midfield. Any idea why this isn't covered as much? Is it so fundamental that it's not worth covering?
I work on back four shape with my teams, but I also spend a lot of time on small sided scrimmages covering the concept is pressure, cover, and support, which should be applied when the team is on defense regardless of the working unit on the field. Shape is simply the outcome of the application of the principles. The reason the back line has a shape is because of the offsides rule, but without that rule, the back line would be forced to account for the shape of the offense.
I like this drill and will be using it. However, I don't like how the 6 is being used. He is just running around trying to press and is easily bypassed. he needs to play his angles better and not allow square passes so the only option for the player in possession is forward and the back 4 can slide across and squeeze the space. Just an observation.
Good point. I'm going to try this with my players but without the 6 altogether. That will mean one of the four needs to press and they will need to squeeze more, rather than just shuttling across.
Of course depending on your skill level but would you want the 6 forcing square passes rather than penetrating passes between the 6 and their backline? I feel that allows for combination play in front of the box rather than trying to force the ball wide when the attacking team is in our defensive third
@@adonisdiaz4919 Yeah, I understand your point but imo, theoretically he wants to force play into one specific area so the defense can squeeze that space and not have to move side to side as much and therefore will be harder to be penetrated.
