6-0 Defence Shifting

How to run it

Six defenders move with the ball as the attack passes it round. The defender facing the ball steps out, the neighbours cover and the whole defence slides to the ball side. Trains teamwork, stepping out and closing gaps.

Set-up

Half court. Six defenders (blue) in a 6-0 just outside the goal area and a blue goalkeeper. Six attackers (red): two wings, three backs and a pivot. One ball.

Instructions

1. 1The 6-0 stands in a line outside the goal area. The centre back has the ball, the pivot stands between two defenders.
2. 2Pass to the left back. The defender facing him steps out, all the others slide to the ball side.
3. 3Pass out to the left wing. The outside defender steps out to the wing, the other drops back.
4. 4Back to the left back: the step-out changes again.
5. 5Pass to the centre back. One middle defender steps out, the other takes the pivot.
6. 6Pass to the right back. The defence slides right and the right half steps out.
7. 7Out to the right wing. The outside defender meets him, the others cover inside.
8. 8Back to the right back. The pivot moves along and the defenders hand him over.
9. 9The right back attacks the gap – the two nearest defenders close it together.
10. 10Stopped! The ball goes back to the centre and the defence sets up again.

Coaching points

• Step out towards the ball, but only a metre or two – back straight away when the ball moves on.
• The neighbours of the defender stepping out move in half a step and cover the gap behind.
• Everyone moves while the ball is in the air, not when it has already arrived.
• Talk all the time: "I've got the pivot", "out", "switch".
• Hands up and active – show that you want the ball.

Variations