Defend the Box 4v4

Train a back four plus goalkeeper to manage repeated box deliveries: pick up runners, attack the first contact, clear with purpose, then react fastest to the second ball. The decision: clear long, or step out and squeeze.

Full-size goal and GK on a 30-yard-deep, 44-yard-wide slice of pitch. A back four defends against four attackers inside and around the penalty area. Two wide servers, one on each touchline level with the penalty spot, each with a pile of balls. Mark a cone line 25 yards out — the squeeze line.

1. The coach calls a side; that server delivers — alternating between floated crosses, driven low balls and cutbacks pulled to the edge of the box.
2. The back four defends the delivery: nearest defender attacks the ball, the others mark a runner each and the far-side fullback tucks in to cover the back post.
3. Whatever the clearance, the ball stays live — attackers may strike second balls from anywhere.
4. The rep ends when the GK holds it, the defenders clear beyond the squeeze line, or a goal is scored.
5. After every clearance the back four must step out together past the penalty spot before the next call. 8 deliveries, then rotate units.

• Talk early: 'away', 'keeper's' or 'mine' before the ball arrives.
• Clear high, long and wide — never back through the middle.
• First contact wins, second ball decides — sprint out to the dropping ball.
• Step up together after the clearance so the box empties as one line.

• Defenders watch the flight of the ball and lose their runner — coach side-on body shape so they see ball and man on one picture.
• Panicked clearances are sliced straight up the middle and invite the second-ball strike — set the technique: through the ball, aiming high and wide.
• The line stays camped on the six-yard box after clearing and plays everyone onside — make stepping out a scored habit, not an afterthought.

• Add a fifth attacker lurking at the edge of the box purely for second balls.
• Let servers choose a give-and-go infield before delivering, dragging the fullback out.
• Score the unit: minus 1 for any clearance that lands central inside 25 yards.

• Serve every ball as a slower, floated cross until headers improve.
• Drop to 4v3 in the box.
• Pause between reps so the unit can reset and talk through the picture.

• The ball stays live after every clearance until it crosses the squeeze line.
• Defenders must step out past the penalty spot between deliveries.