Zonal Defending in 4-4-2

Develop team's intelligence to control the Game

What You'll Learn in this course

In this course you will learn the core principles of zonal defending and how to apply them effectively in the 4-4-2 system.

You will understand why compactness is the foundation of every defensive structure and how to maintain it in different game situations.

You will learn how to shield central areas, protect the space in front of the centre-backs, and deny passes through the middle.

You will discover how to recognize open and closed ball situations and adapt your defensive reactions.

You will master the principles of pressing on the sides, forcing the opponent wide and limiting their options.

You will study the tasks of the central four and how they cooperate to protect the defensive block.

You will practice defending the box with the 3+2 structure and understand how to react when the first defender is beaten.

You will see how to track runners from deep and prevent balls played in behind.

You will understand when to use intermediate positions – not marking tight, but ready to react and protect space.

You will analyze over 200 real match clips with animations that show defensive principles in action.

By the end of the course, you will have a clear defensive framework and 40 principles that you can directly apply to your own team.Visit the store builder to edit this page.

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Course curriculum

1

Course Intro
- 1. Course Preview
- 2. Defending Efficiently
2

Module 1: Pressure on the ball
- 1. Being in Positions
- 2. Dead-ball Moments
- 3. Open-play Moments
- 4. Intention to put Pressure on the Ball
3

Module 2: Zonal Defending
- 1. Space
- 2. Side-on Position
- 3. Facing the Ball
- 4. Closer Shoulder
- 5. Cover Shadow
- 6. Attack from Above
- 7. Jump
- 8. First take Width
- 9. Cover Triangle
- 10. Pressing Sprints
- 11. Continuation
- 12. Rebuild Diagonally
- 13. Open/closed Ball
- 14. Follow your Teammate
- 15. Diamond Shape
- 16. Stay Compact
- 17. Don't Follow Opponent
- 18. Intermediate Positions
4

Module 3: Defending Base
- 1. Defending Base
- 2. Close the Middle
- 3. Close First Gate
- 4. Drop & Lock
- 5. Narrow Midfield - Wide Defence
- 6. Vertical Stability
- 7. Cover Wingers
- 8. Diagonal Positions in the Centre
- 9. Shielding the Centre-backs
- 10. Press on Sides
- 11. Shifting
- 12. 6-yard box line Rule
- 13. Defenders Track Runs
- 14. Match the defender in front of you
- 15. Press up to the Level of the Winger
- 16. Don't Follow in First Tempo
- 17. Follow after Switch
- 18. Block Against Wall-pass
- 19. Don't Allow to Break You
- 20. Push Back
5

Module 4: Defending the Box
- 1. Zone 3+2
- 2. First Build then Jump
- 3. FB Reads
- 4. Front Helps
- 5. CM Goes
- 6. Structure Stays
- 7. Next Man Principle
- 8. Winger Adapts
- 9. Till 16
- 10. Closing Remarks