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advanceddefending15-20 minutes10-16 players

Defensive Shape Drill

Positional defending drill teaching players to maintain compact defensive shape and organisation. Develops understanding of distances, cover, and defensive line management.

U13-U14U15+

Setup

Use a half pitch. Position a back four, defensive midfield, and goalkeeper in their defensive structure. Opposition attackers pass the ball around outside the defensive block. Defenders must shift as a unit to protect central areas, maintain distances (5-7 metres apart), and keep a compact shape. Initially passive, progress to allowing attackers to penetrate if gaps appear. Focus on organisation, not winning the ball.

Coaching Points

  • 1Maintain 5-7 metres between defenders, no gaps
  • 2Shift as a unit when the ball moves, stay compact
  • 3Protect central areas, force play wide where possible
  • 4Communicate constantly to maintain organisation
  • 5Step up together to compress space, drop together when needed
  • 6Deepest defender sets the line, others adjust accordingly

Variations

  • ✓Add conditions like compressing into the final third
  • ✓Progress to live scenarios where attackers try to score
  • ✓Include transitional moments where defenders must adjust quickly
  • ✓Focus on specific formations (back four, back three, etc.)
  • ✓Add numerical disadvantages to increase defensive challenge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is defensive shape in football?

Defensive shape refers to how players organise themselves without the ball to protect the goal. A good defensive shape is compact with minimal gaps, players positioned to support each other, and the team working as a unit to deny space and passing options.

How compact should a defensive line be?

Defenders should maintain approximately 5-7 metres between each other horizontally and 10-15 metres between defensive lines vertically. This allows covering whilst preventing gaps that attackers can exploit. Adjust based on the ball position and opposition threats.

Should defenders step up or drop off as a unit?

Defenders should move together as a unit in both directions. Step up to compress space when your team wins possession or when no immediate threat exists. Drop together when facing pace in behind or when the opposition breaks lines with passes.

How do I organise a defensive line as a centre-back?

As the central organiser, communicate constantly using clear, loud instructions. Set the depth of the line based on opposition threats, coordinate movements with your defensive partner, and direct full-backs and midfielders to maintain compactness and organisation.

Related Drills

1v1 Defending Drill

Core defending drill teaching players to defend one-on-one situations effectively. Develops positioning, footwork, patience, and timing of tackles in isolated scenarios.

Pressing Trap Drill

Team defending drill teaching coordinated pressing to win the ball in dangerous areas. Develops timing, communication, and understanding of pressing triggers amongst defensive and midfield units.

Expert Advisors

⚽

General Coach

All-round coaching

🏆

The Pro's Pro

Professional/elite coaching

♟️

FM Tactician

FM24 & FM26 tactics and formations

Related Keywords

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Defensive Shape Drill - Football Coaching Drill | FootballGPT