#26 Changing position - FIFA Training Centre

Specific defensive and positional approach. This exercise helps players to understand how to cover positions left vacant by their team‑mates. Free spaces and key tactical spaces must be covered as quickly as possible to provide defensive cover.

Basic set-up

Variation with changing position

Organisation

Create a 4v4 plus 2 goalkeepers and use a full pitch.

Explanation

Put the players in a match situation and ask the defenders to come out systematically to press the player on the ball.
The defenders should try to cover the change of position as much as possible. Initially, only the attackers may change position. Start the exercise by organising the players in a 1-2-2 formation.
Practise the attacking moves by building the play, always starting from the goalkeeper.

Variations

Allow attackers and defenders on both sides to change position as a team. This variation works on defensive coordination and anticipating positional changes.

Coaching points

Communication is key in this exercise.
Players must learn not to leave key tactical spaces open, such as the middle of the pitch.
Create a defensive plan with a specific rotation to steal the ball from the opposition.