78-P4 · Skill practice · U12 up to adult
The Compact Back 4 Unit
The Compact Back 4 Unit is a skill practice for U12 up to adult teams (8 players, 24 × 30 yards) that works on passing, defending and compactness.
Keep your defensive unit compact and organised in this practice designed to limit gaps and prevent the attackers from playing through.
Opens in Touchtight Club · 14-day free trial · Card required
2:03 - Age group
- U12 up to adult
- Players
- 8 players
- Area
- 24 × 30 yards (1/4 Pitch)
- Time
- 25–35 minutes
- Practice type
- Skill practice
- Coach level
- Intermediate (C Licence)
How it's set up
This practice is designed to help your back four remain compact and limit the gaps that allow the opposition to play through. The exercise is set up in a 24 by 30-yard area, split into three zones, with two teams of four players. One team (Red) starts as the back 4 in the central zone, while two players from the other team (Gold) are positioned in the two outside zones and start in possession. The objective is for the attacking team to find a way to play through or around the compact defensive unit. Successfully passing through the four defenders to a teammate on the opposite side earns a point. If the defenders intercept the pass, they also gain a point for their team. Teams will switch roles after a set period of time (depending on age group and ability).
Key coaching points
- Stay Compact – Keep the defensive line tight to limit passing lanes through the middle.
- Shift as a Unit – Move together laterally to close gaps and cover space effectively.
- Communication is Key – Constantly talk to teammates to organise positioning.
Also in the full practice
- 2 progressions to make it harder as your players improveIn Club
- 3 player questions to check understanding during the practiceIn Club
- The coach-led video (2:03) how to set it up and deliver itIn Club
- Add it to your team's Dugout drop it into a session plan with your warm-up and gameIn Club
Open 78-P4 in Club → 14-day free trial
Run it with your team.
Watch 78-P4 in full, then add it to your next session. It's one of over 1,000 practices in the Touchtight Club library.
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