Back-Four Shift vs 5 — Protect the Far Side
A back four defends against five attackers circulating across the width, focusing on compact shifting and awareness of the far side.
Save time planning sessions with FUTNIVO.
Organization
Use a 40x35m attacking area with a goal. Five attackers circulate across central and wide positions against a back four plus goalkeeper. Attackers can switch play and cross or combine into the box.
Coaching Points
Shift as the ball travels | Near-side defender engages when supported | Centre-backs protect goal-side spaces | Far-side defender narrows early | Track the back-post runner on switches
Progressions
- Allow a late midfielder to join the attack after the switch.
Regressions
- Restrict attackers to two wide channels and one central player.
Related Soccer Drills
Crossed-Runner Handover — Centre-Backs Exchange Marks at Box Edge
5v4 Box Defence — Screen Edge and Track Late Runner
Back-Four Step on Negative Touch — Squeeze Space, Hold Offside Line
Back-Four Cross Shift — Near CB Attacks Ball, Far CB Protects Second Runner
Explore more FUTNIVO coaching tools
Plan full training sessions, build lineups and create your own drills.
Your privacy matters
FUTNIVO uses optional analytics cookies to understand how the website is used and improve our coaching tools. Necessary cookies required for the website to work are always enabled.