Defensive Shape 4v4

Objective

Maintain compact defensive structure as a unit while under sustained attacking pressure.

Equipment

• Ball
• Cones
• Bibs
• Goals

Instructions

1. 1

   Set up a 35x25 yard grid with a small goal at each end. Two teams of four.

2. 2

   The defending team holds a flat back-four shape, staying within 10 yards of each other horizontally.

3. 3

   Attacking team tries to score; defending team scores by winning the ball and hitting target players on the end line.

4. 4

   Swap roles every 4 minutes.

Coaching Points

• ✓ The defensive line moves as one — if the left defender steps, all four step.
• ✓ Close the space between defenders quickly when the ball is switched.
• ✓ Communicate constantly: "line", "hold", "step", "squeeze".

Variations

• → Restrict attackers to two touches to speed up the game and test the defence.
• → Add a target player behind the defensive line to simulate a striker making runs in behind.