Compact Defensive Shape

Objective

Maintain a compact, organised defensive unit that shifts together as the ball moves.

Equipment

• cones
• bibs

Instructions

1. 1

   Set up a 30x20 yard zone. Defenders form a flat back four.

2. 2

   Coach or attackers circulate the ball wide and central.

3. 3

   Defenders must shift as a unit — nearest player presses, rest cover and hold compactness.

4. 4

   Attackers score by slipping a pass through the defensive line.

5. 5

   Rotate attackers every 5 minutes.

Coaching Points

• ✓ Stay compact — no gaps wider than 5 yards between defenders.
• ✓ When ball goes wide, whole line shifts — not just the nearest player.
• ✓ Hold the line together — one player stepping out breaks the shape.

Variations

• → Progress to full 11v11 with a functioning midfield press above.