2-3 Rest-Defence Shape — Secure Behind Five-Lane Attack
A positional practice where the team attacks with five high players while two defenders and three supporting midfield/fullback players maintain a connected structure behind the ball.
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Organization
Use a half pitch split into five attacking lanes. Place five advanced attackers across the front line and organise the remaining five as two deeper defenders plus three players ahead of them. Circulate against a defending block and freeze turnovers to assess the 2-3 protection shape.
Coaching Points
The back two stay connected to the nearest three | Do not let all three support players move ahead of the ball | Cover central counter lanes first | Shift the 2-3 shape as possession changes side | Keep distances compact enough to counterpress
Progressions
- Make turnovers fully live and let the defending team counter through three target gates.
Regressions
- Use passive opposition and pause after each switch to correct the 2-3 spacing.
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Single-Pivot 3-2 Build-Up — 8s Stay Above First Press
Centre-Forward Splits Centre-Backs — Wingers Narrow, Fullbacks Wide
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