Blocking passing lanes (Atlético Madrid)

A drill from Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid.

Objective
improve defending by four midfielders in a flat midfield (1:4:4:2)

Organisation
12 players
6 red en 6 blue bibs
enough balls
enough cones to mark the sections

Contents
red starts with the ball and tries to reach the pair on the other side
when they do, the ball has to go to another red attacker before the red team can
score a goal
when blue recovers the ball, they try to score by passing to one of the blue attackers

Adjustments
increase the width of the field so it becomes more difficult for the defending
midfielders
add an extra attacker
attacking midfielders are only allowed one touch in order to increase the speed

© Drills4Football 1/2
 a maximum number of passes before the midfielders should pass to the attackers

Variations
depending on your formation, let the midfielders play with three
attackers can score after a pass by making a line dribble

Coaching
‘As the ball moves, the midfielders should move along’
‘Keep mutual distance small so the ball cannot reach to the attackers.’
‘Make sure the passing lane to the attackers is closed by using cover shadows.’
‘Coach/instruct each other to keep distances small.’
‘In case an attacker receives a pass, drop back quickly and prevent a goal’

© Drills4Football 2/2