Track the Late 8 — Defend Cutback and Edge Arrival
A box-defending exercise where the defensive midfielder must scan away from the ball and track a delayed number 8 attacking a cutback zone.
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Organization
Set a wide attacker near the byline, two attackers occupying the box and a number 8 starting outside. Defenders protect the box while one midfielder starts goal-side of the 8. The wide player can cross, cut back or recycle.
Coaching Points
Midfielder checks the late runner before the cross | Box defenders protect goal-side spaces first | Do not all collapse toward the byline | Track the 8 into the edge zone | Clear cutbacks away from central danger
Progressions
- Let the number 8 choose between edge arrival and a run into the box.
Regressions
- Predetermine the cutback and late-run lane.
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