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TOUCHLINELAB

Defending drill

Back Four Shuffle

A back four moves as a unit in response to a coach switching the ball between wide servers. Builds distances, communication and the cover-and-balance habits of a defensive line.

  • 6–10 players
  • 15 minutes
  • Defensive third, full width
  • Intermediate · U13–U16
Back Four Shuffle drill diagramGKLBCBCBRB12

Objective

Shift across together, keep 8–12 m between defenders and drop when the ball-carrier is unpressured.

Coaching points

  • Nearest defender pressures; the next one covers at an angle
  • Far-side full-back tucks in to balance
  • Step up together when the ball goes backwards
  • Talk constantly: 'step', 'drop', 'hold'

Progressions

  • Servers can play into a striker who attacks the line
  • Add two wingers to create 4v4
  • Introduce an offside line for the attackers

Regressions

  • Walk-through at half speed
  • Use only three defenders

Equipment

Cones, balls, bibs

Tactical relevance

Underpins every defensive structure, whatever the formation.

Technical focus

Body position, Communication

Tactical focus

Defensive shape, Cover and balance, Line height