Coach Midfield Defending in 4-3-3 (4-2-3-1)

Session

Session: DO.019

Exercise Objectives

Developing defending movement of the central three players in a 4-3-3 (4-2-3-1).
Develop zonal defending in the midfield.
Develop small group defending technique.

Organisation

Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement

Set-Up

Instructions

The defending team (team without possession) are allowed three players on the field to simulate the midfield 3 of a 4-3-3. The other two players drop of the field by their own goal line.
The attacking team attack with all five players.
If the defending team win the ball they can either turn and pass to their resting players or the GK, which allows the two resting players to join them in attack OR attempt to counter attack and score with just three players.
The attacking team which just lost the ball immediately has to drop two players off the field to their goal line to leave three to defend.
In the above diagram R1,R2,R3 defend whilst R4 ad R5 remain off the field until they regain possession and pass back to the GK or R4 or R5.
If the attacking team shoots wide/into the GK/or scores they immediately become the defending team (dropping two players off) and the other team attacks with five players.
The game should be continuous.

Scoring

Coaching Points

Midfield players need to move together and not become stretched or isolated.
Immediate pressure on the ball (especially in defending half of the field).
Cover and support in defending unit.
Defending unit should slide with the ball. Refer to diagram 2.
Holding midfielder communicates to the two attacking midfielders and organizes them.
Decision on whether to counter attack or build up possession. Assess the situation and how many of the previously attacking team are committed forward.
Prevent diagonal passes going through the unit.
Determine line of confrontation (i.e. when we press).
Clear communication is key to organization.

Diagram 2. Movement of the Midfield Sliding Right