Square hips, hold feet 4 v 2

Use this activity to develop of knowing about “keeping square”, that is facing up the pitch, to hold defenders. Plus how to “hold the feet” to keep the right sort of depth.

In a 4 v 2, especially in a very tight space, the attack will fail unless they can fix (hold) defenders and have space to pass the ball. There is little depth in the box, forcing the attackers to “hold” their runs.

ACTIVITY

1. Put four attackers in one box, lined up evenly along the line. Use cones to give them their starting points. Put two defenders side-by-side opposite the first attacker, with one of the defenders holding the ball.
2. The defender with the ball passes it to the attacker opposite them, which triggers the start of the activity.
3. Without using miss passes, the attackers aim to beat the two defenders. The defenders aim to touch the ball carrier (using a two-handed touch). The attackers can dummy pass.

1. Then repeat with a new set of attackers in the adjacent box (thus working the ball the other way).
2. The first two attackers become defenders for the next round in their box. Other players fill in the spaces.

DEVELOPMENT

• With the same starting positions but in a wider 15m by 5m box, play again. Start with 4 v 2 and then progress to 4 v 3.
• If an attacker is touched, they touch the ball immediately on the ground, and the play restarts.
• The defence aim to create an error (dropped ball, interception or going into touch).