4-0 system: Creating space in behind

Organisation

• Set up a 28x20m playing area.

• Place a goal on the edge of the penalty area at each end of the playing area.

• Position a goalkeeper in both goals.

• Set up a 3v3.

Explanation

• Play starts with one of the goalkeepers playing the ball out to a team-mate on one of the flanks.

• The exercise involves free play.

• The out-of-possession team adopt a player-to-player marking system.

Progression 1 

• Utilize the entire court.

• Place an additional player on each sideline for both teams.

• The extra player is allowed to join the attack, creating a 4v3 numerical advantage upon receiving possession in front of the midfield line.

Progression 2

• Reduced playing area, as in the basic sequence

• 4v4, with a restriction for the team out of possession to defend only in their own half.

• Players are encouraged to put into practice all the attacking movements worked on in the previous two parts of the session

Coaching points

• Support players’ off-the-ball movement should enable them to receive a parallel pass.

• Support players’ off-the-ball movement should enable them to receive a diagonal pass.

• Support players’ off-the-ball movement should enable them to form a triangle around the ball.

• Players should avoid entering spaces occupied by a team-mate.