How to Coach Defensive Balance in a 4v3 Soccer Drill

In terms of defending, one of the most important principles to work on is the principle of defensive balance. Balance in defense is the act of either balancing left or right coverage of the pressuring defender when the ball is pressured centrally or balancing the area of the back post behind the second defender when the ball is pressured on the wings. The format of 4v3 to goal is an excellent method of working balance in defense while also reinforcing the idea that outnumbered defenders can prevent shots with proper positioning.

Things You'll Need

  • Cones
  • Pinnies
  • Balls
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the grid to be used. It should be the width of the penalty area, which is approximately 44 yards wide by 40 yards long. There should be one goal at the end line, with goalkeeper, and two targets in the corners of the grid opposite the goal line for the defenders to score into. Defenders will work in groups of three, attackers in groups of four. Play always begins with the goalkeeper serving to the attackers at the 40-yard line, while the three defenders will always start at the 18-yard line.

    • 2

      Work on the correct method of pressuring the ball from the nearest defender. This involves a curved run to the outside of the field toward the ball to force the attacker wide. Upon approach, the defender slows down, lowers his center of gravity and keeps his eye on the ball, being careful not to dive in. Stand side on to the attacker, with quick feet, stabbing at the ball now and then. The defender should be 1 to 3 yards away from the attacker.

    • 3

      Instruct the next defender to cover the first defender as the first defender moves. Cover is at an angle toward the goal, about 5 to 10 yards away from, and behind, the pressuring defender. The covering angle should be about 45 degrees. The covering defender must be positioned in such a way that his shoulders are open to see the whole field, and he must move as the ball and pressuring defender are moving.

    • 4

      Have the balancing defender position himself in relation to the other two defenders, depending on the position of the ball. If the ball is on the wings, then the balancing defender will position behind the second defender, at a 45 degree angle, 5 to 10 yards away and behind the ball, shoulders open to the field. The defender will generally cover attempted runs to the back post.

    • 5

      If the ball is in a central position, have the balancing defender cover the "open" side of the pressuring defender. If the second defender is on the right of the pressuring defender, the balancing defender must cover the left side, and vice versa. There are two distinct shapes to look for in balancing defense. When the ball is on the wing, pressure, cover and balance should look like a diagonal line from the ball to the back post. When the ball is central, pressure, cover and balance form a triangle shape at the ball.