Back Line Circulation

Groove the rhythm of a back four circulating possession under a two-man press: tempo, angles, and the keeper as the free man, until the far fullback receives with time to advance.

Full goal and keeper. Back four spread across the width 20 yards from goal. Two pressing forwards start on the D. A 5-yard cone gate on each sideline 35 yards from goal marks the target. A holding midfielder can be added as an option.

1. The keeper starts with a pass to a center back. The two forwards press, trying to cut off the switch.
2. The back four circulate: center back to center back, into the keeper if needed, out to the fullback.
3. The team scores by a fullback dribbling through their sideline gate. The forwards score by winning the ball or forcing a long clearance.
4. Ten reps then rotate the forwards. Track how many passes it took to find the gate.
5. Add the holding midfielder in the second half: he must be found at least once before the gate counts.

• Pass with pace; a slow pass lets the presser recover.
• Center backs split as wide as the box when the keeper has it.
• Keeper is the spare man: use him to switch the point.
• Fullback: receive on the front foot, already facing the gate.

• The center backs stand too close together and one presser marks both; split to the width of the box the moment the keeper has the ball.
• The ball goes back to the keeper and he kicks it long; the keeper is a passer here, not a clearer.
• The fullback receives facing his own goal and the switch dies; the fullback's body must be open toward the gate before the ball is played.

• Three pressers.
• Two-touch limit for the back four.
• Add an opposing midfielder who marks the holding midfielder.

• Pressers walk for the first five reps.
• Widen the gates to 8 yards.
• Add the holding midfielder from the start as a free player.

• No pass may go forward beyond the gate line except through a gate.
• The ball may not leave the ground.