Defending
Defensive Shape Walk-Through — Mid-Block 4-4-2
Organise the squad into two banks of four plus two strikers; walk through mid-block shape at jog pace against a shadow attacking unit
Theme
Defending
Duration
20 min
Players (min–rec–max)
22–22–22
Equipment
cones, bibs, balls
Set-up
Organise the squad into two banks of four plus two strikers; walk through mid-block shape at jog pace against a shadow attacking unit. Coach positions players with hands if needed — no shame in it at this stage.
Coaching points
- Stay compact — the two banks stay connected vertically, no gap between midfield and defence
- Press trigger: ball played backwards or into a poor touch — go
- Wide players track the fullback; nobody gifts an overlap for free
Progressions
- Add a live ball: attacking unit plays into the shape at slow speed, defenders react
- Introduce a striker press cue from the front two — make it a habit now