Everything about the Back Four in Football (Part 1)

The back four is arguably the most popular basic formation in football, as it is theoretically the easiest to learn and clearly defines the responsibilities of each player. However, not all back fours are created equal, as a glance at top-tier football shows. There are numerous ways to structure the game during build-up play, altering the basic setup. But what principles and routines apply to almost all systems that rely on a back four for build-up play? This is precisely the question we aim to address here.

Key "Rules" for Build-Up Play

The most important rules in build-up play revolve around safety. These rules minimize unnecessary risks and prevent opponents from exploiting pressing situations. For instance:

• Avoid cross-field passes through the penalty area.
• Include the goalkeeper when switching play.
• Avoid bypassing positions unnecessarily to keep passing lanes short.
• Every player should position themselves to remain open to the play, allowing them to escape pressure with their first touch if necessary.
• The player in possession should never be the deepest player when the opponents press high. There should always be a safety player behind them, serving as both a passing option and defensive fallback in case of ball loss.

Player Profiles in the Back Four

The player profiles required for build-up play in a back four are straightforward:

• Ideally, the left center-back (LCB) and left full-back (LB) are left-footed, while the right center-back (RCB) and right full-back (RB) are right-footed.
• Center-backs should have clean first touches and excel in short passing as well as long balls.
• Full-backs should be strong dribblers and proficient in short passes even with their weaker foot.

The objective in this system’s build-up play is to form triangles or diamonds with the midfield, maximizing passing options.

Continuity in Passing Paths

As shown in the diagram (referred to in the original text), each player in the back four has at least three passing options. These passing paths remain constant regardless of the player in possession, providing continuity within the system.

When center-backs are skilled with the ball, the defensive midfielder (No. 6) doesn't need to drop between them but can maintain depth and act as a passing option. It’s crucial for the center-backs to follow up every pass with a subsequent action rather than standing idle, ensuring they stay involved in the game.

Specific Movements and Routines

• Pass from LCB to LB: After passing to the left full-back, the LCB should drop slightly to receive a return pass if the full-back is under pressure and cannot turn. Meanwhile, the far-side center-back moves into the center, and the RB shifts into the half-space. If the opponent’s striker curves their run to block the pass back to the center-back, the LCB must shift outward to create an option.

• Pass from CB to Defensive Midfielder: When the LCB passes to the No. 6, a different dynamic unfolds. The defensive midfielder may return the pass to the far-side center-back. After the pass, the LCB moves centrally for support and to secure the play in case of opponent pressure. Risk-averse coaches often prefer long balls behind the opposing defense or diagonal switches, while more daring coaches with technically skilled center-backs encourage them to dribble into the open space.

Exploiting Width with Full-Backs

Another well-drilled move capitalizes on the full-backs' strong positioning out wide. The ball circulates from one full-back to the far-side center-back. The far-side winger moves inward, dragging the opponent's full-back centrally and creating space for the full-back to advance into depth.

Three Approaches to Back-Four Build-Up Play

In general, there are three primary ways to structure build-up play with a back four:

1. Simplest and most common: Pass to the full-back, who then advances the ball to the next or even the second line of play.
2. More risky: Pass to the No. 6, who bounces the ball to the other center-back. This option carries greater risk as the defensive midfielder can face significant pressure in the center, where the opponent's path to goal is shorter. However, if successful, bypassing the first line of pressure can create new dynamics.
3. Safest option: Play a long ball behind the opponent’s defensive line. Unfortunately, this method is often executed too directly without first shifting the opponent, which would open up spaces and make the long ball more dangerous.

Training Resources

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