Midfielder Tracks 10, CB Holds 9 — Protect Two Vertical Threats
A vertical defending exercise against a 10 positioned underneath a striker. The defenders learn to share responsibility rather than allowing one checking movement to pull both out of shape.
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Organization
Use a 26x22m central area toward a full-size goal with goalkeeper. Attackers include a 10, 9 and server. Defenders include a central midfielder, centre-back and covering defender. The 10 can move between lines while the 9 pins or checks.
Coaching Points
Midfielder stays goal-side of the 10 | CB does not step through the 10 to chase the same player | Communicate if 9 drops into the 10's space | Protect the direct vertical pass first | Covering defender adjusts behind the CB if the striker runs beyond
Progressions
- Add a second midfielder who can make a third-player run beyond.
Regressions
- Use guided movements from 10 and 9 before going fully live.
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