THE NUMBER 4 THE DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD PLAYER

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Denis Watson
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1 THE NUMBER 4 THE DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD PLAYER

striker (#10) when necessary (from behind, side or front) Press, double press & tackle when required in M1/3 rd & A1/3 rd (centrally and wide) Support pressing teammate who needs assistance Replace

2 Defensive Midfield Player (#4) The Midfield Sweeper (or Defensive Unit Guard Dog! ) Defensive: Patrol the space between the midfield and defensive unit Screen to deter forward passing outlets Intercept passes into opposition front players and midfield players Man mark i.e. loose striker (#10) when necessary (from behind, side or front) Press, double press & tackle when required in M1/3 rd & A1/3 rd (centrally and wide) Support pressing teammate who needs assistance Replace back players who have advanced forward, esp. fullbacks Sag & fill spaces in the back line when holes appear Track runners breaking from the M1/3 rd to the A1/3 rd Contain & deflect any penetration attempts and counter attacks against Organise & coach players in front/to side to ensure lines of the team are compact Attacking: Find space to receive from GK s/back players Attract opponents to allow back players to travel out with the ball from the D1/3 rd Support behind midfield players and attackers to offer a pressure release /passing option to maintain possession Retain possession by passing simply, with accuracy, often under pressure. Link the back players to midfield and attackers & switch the point of attack Advance forward to provide an attacking overload in M1/3 rd where required Role Models: Gattuso, Busquets, Makelele, De Jong, Mascerano, Cambiasso

Developing possession Support behind the

DMF finds space to receives the ball from

3 Tactical Intelligence: Attacking Organisation Building from defending third Developing possession Support behind the ball DMF player forms the back defensive triangle when GK in possession. May be passing outlet for GK or back players. DMF finds space to receives the ball from the defensive unit, esp. when the opposition drop deep. Based on opposition shape, this player may be the free player. If forward play is not possible, DMF supports behind the ball and provides an outlet to relieve pressure or switch the point of attack.

Tactical Intelligence: Defensive Organisation

defensive block Defensive support in wide areas

have advanced forward, DMF moves to replace them

4 Tactical Intelligence: Defensive Organisation Screening front players Filling spaces in defensive block Defensive support in wide areas DMF moves laterally to screen potential passes into the opposition strikers feet. When required DMF will step forward to press the ball or mark (i.e. a #10). When team-mates are caught out of position, i.e. have advanced forward, DMF moves to replace them and fill the space in case of counter attack against. If a team-mate is being attacked or is outnumbered, DMF may be the closest to move across to support this player and create a matched up situation.

5 Example Session Organisation: Pitch size to suit but marked into 3 areas (as on right). Offside rule applies in the end area. 2v2 in each end area, 3v3 in the middle area. Players are initially locked in their areas but can interchange based on the following conditions: - #4 operates in his own half of the field at all times and can move freely in this area. Practice starts from the GK who plays out freely. #4 can drop into the rear area to create a 3v2 in favour of his team where needed. The ball can be progressed through the areas by passing or running the ball. If the ball is passed into the end area, one MF player can move forward to support but can be tracked by the #4, making a potential 3v3 situation. When possession changes hands, players always return to their own areas/positions. Progression: Remove the marked thirds and allow free play. Key Coaching Points: 1. Building Create a diamond with GK/#5/#6. Receive to play forward. 2. Screen/intercept Prevent passes into #9/10 through observation, listening and positioning. 3. Press When appropriate to slow down forward momentum from opposition. 4. Replace Key spaces when defender advances into midfield. 5. Track If opponent breaks into final area. Intentions of tracking? i.e. follow a runner, press from front or sag into back line to fill a key space? 6. Marshal Team-mates in front, i.e. when to press, channelling play

TRAINING THE : PUTTING IT TOGETHER

TRAINING THE : PUTTING IT TOGETHER TECHNICAL: --4- with magic box - 70x50 yard field (8v8) with 5x5 magic box Two teams both play --4-. Both teams plays 8 & 0 in the - 4 0 9. Team now work the ball down opposite side to goal in following