Getting In Behind the Center Backs | Sharpen Your Timing and Passing

Overview

• Two center backs locked in place, holding their line
• Attackers making runs into the space behind them
• Defenders reading those runs and covering the space in behind
• Players work real, sharp pass-and-move to create goal-scoring chances

Objectives

• Nail the timing of runs into the space behind the center backs
• Sharpen your players’ read on whether a teammate is on the ball and when the pass is coming
• Play accurate passes so the ball reaches the runner without getting cut out by a defender
• Build the composure to finish it off and get a shot away in front of goal
• Train the habit of moving first — beating the defender to the punch in tight space

Setup

Set up a 40m×65m field with 14 players and work attacks that exploit the space behind the center backs.

1）Set two center backs on their locked line in front of goal. Behind them, 3–4 defenders get set and ready to defend.

2）Attackers time their runs into the space behind the center backs. The passer reads the run and plays an accurate ball in.

3）Once an attacker collects the ball in that space, they finish or create a chance. The defenders read the run and slide across to cover.

4）After a few reps, swap the attackers and defenders.