Play / Positions / Centre-back
Six weeks as a centre-back
Centre-backs protect the middle of the goal and start attacks. These weeks build defending in pairs, then playing out, then the line.
Each week runs from on your own to with others to a real match moment. Move on when you can do the check at the end of the week, not before. Two weeks on one is fine.
Week one
Stay on your feet
Slow the attacker down and show them away from goal.
- On your ownJockeyingTen minutes, most days.
- With the team1v1 to the gates15 minutes. Pairs, any number.
- In a matchA winger runs at youPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itShow them down the lineWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when In 1v1s you tackle only when the ball is away from their feet.
Week two
Pressure and cover
One goes to the ball, the other covers behind. Talk to each other.
- With the team2v2: pressure and cover15 minutes. Groups of 4.
- In a matchMake a chance from the wingPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itDelay, cover, balanceWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You and your partner are never level when one of you is pressing.
Week three
Split and receive
Split wide when the keeper has it, and take the ball on the half-turn.
- On your ownReceiving on the half-turnTen minutes, most days.
- With the teamPlaying out from the goalkeeper15 minutes. 7 to 12, including a goalkeeper.
- In a matchBeat the pressPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itPlay out from the backWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You can receive from the keeper facing up the pitch, not back at goal.
Week four
Break a line
Pass or carry past their front players into midfield.
- On your ownThe inside-foot passTen minutes, most days.
- With the team4v4 with three floaters15 minutes. 11, or adapt to 3v3 with three.
- In a matchGet past their midfieldPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itFind the player between the linesWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when In a game, at least one pass in three goes forward past an opponent.
Week five
Move as a line
Step up and drop together with your partner.
- With the teamWin it high18 minutes. 8 to 14.
- In a matchGo over themPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itStep up togetherWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You can tell your teammates when to step and when to drop, and they listen.
Week six
Defend the box
Attack the ball at crosses and keep your eye on the runner.
- With the teamLow crosses and cut-backs15 minutes. 6 to 12, plus a goalkeeper.
- In a matchDefend a crossPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itDefending crossesWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You get to the ball first, or you stop your runner getting a clean contact.
After six weeks
Go back to week one and do the checks again. Then try a week from the position next to yours: a centre-back who knows a holding midfielder's job, or a winger who knows a full-back's, is the player coaches want.
Back to the centre-back guide Next: six weeks as a full-back and wing-back
Practise in a safe space with an adult nearby, and warm up first. If anything hurts, stop.