Defending from wide positions in a 4-2-3-1

To Develop Defensive Shape in Wide Areas, To Improve 1v1 Defending in Wide Areas, To Improve Communication and Coordination When Defending Wide

1v1’s Warmup/Bodyshape drill

To consider pressing, speed of approach and body shape when pressing trying to dictate play.

How to press individually which happens frequently in wide areas.

Sometimes change which zone they have to go in mid-1v1

Function - Defending from wide positions in a 1-4-2-3-1

To understand how to effectively defend in a wide position and force play to dominated areas of the pitch.

8v9 - Functional Area with middle line to restrict defensive players into their zone so structure is there.

Can the wingers press at an angle that blocks the pass to the opposition full-back, forcing the ball carrier to pass inside? This should occur when defending from the front, where your team is strong centrally. Ensure your body is angled to guide play inward, closing the wide passing lane. Can the wingers press aligned with the CAM to trap the opposition inside? Stay compact, positioning yourself to cut off wide passes while your teammates pressure the ball centrally. Once the ball transitions to your defensive third, can the wingers recover quickly, tracking the opposition full-back or winger. Can the full backs stay low and use side-on body shape in 1v1 situations to force the attacker toward the touchline when in the defensive third? Keep the attacker away from goal by using the sideline to narrow their space. Can the full-backs position yourself early to block or challenge crosses? Engage the wide player early to make it difficult for them to deliver accurate balls into the box, forcing them outside and limiting dangerous crossing opportunities. Can the CAM position yourself just behind the striker and wingers to cut off central passing lanes during the press? Your primary task is to prevent the opposition from easily playing through the midfield, forcing them into tighter spaces or turnovers. Can the CDMs drop into central positions to protect the space in front of the backline as the team presses? Your role is to block any direct passes into the central channels, cutting off through balls or quick combinations. When the ball is in the defensive third, can the CDMs provide a screen in front of the centre-backs, cutting off inside passing lanes and forcing the opposition wide? Stay compact and work with the centre-backs to ensure any balls played into the box are contested.

Progress by adding more players into a full phase of play and testing both sides defensively. Change starting positions of the ball for variety when defending out wide.

Supporting the team in possession to structure correctly.