Futbol Island

11v11 lesson · Intermediate

Back Four + Six: Pass On the Dropping Forward

When their striker drops, your six takes them so the center backs hold the line. If the six is busy, a center back steps out with cover.

What the coach says

  1. Your back four protects depth against Blue’s three high forwards. A striker dropping away from this line can change who should defend that player.
  2. The six is your holding midfielder in front of the center backs. If that player can take the checking striker, the near center back can keep the line connected.
  3. The nine drops in front of your six, who is free to take that receiver. Both wingers remain high against your fullbacks, so the back four still needs to protect depth.
  4. The six can take the dropping nine. Which movement protects the back line?
  5. The center back holds the line while the six approaches the checking striker. Your other center back keeps depth instead of being left alone by an unnecessary chase.
  6. Blue’s ten now occupies your six. The nine changes sides and receives behind the nearest midfielder. That earlier handoff is no longer available.
  7. The nine has received and the six is occupied by the ten. What should the nearest center back do?
  8. The near center back approaches the nine under control. The partner drops to cover and the six stays with the ten. Pressure and cover change together.

Quiz questions

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

  1. Question 1

    The six can take the dropping nine. Which movement protects the back line?

    • Follow the nine into midfield
    • Keep a connected defensive line

    Coach’s explanation: The six can take the checking striker. Staying connected protects depth and leaves your partner and fullbacks clear responsibilities.

  2. Question 2

    The nine has received and the six is occupied by the ten. What should the nearest center back do?

    • Keep retreating toward goal
    • Step under control with cover

    Coach’s explanation: You are now the nearest available defender. Your partner drops, the fullbacks narrow and the six stays with the ten as you pressure the receiver.

  3. Question 3

    Blue's nine drops toward midfield. Tap where your six should defend.

    • Between the center backs
    • Close to the dropping nine
    • Out toward Blue's ten

    Coach’s explanation: The six takes the checking nine, so both center backs keep the line connected.

  4. Question 4

    The forward drops, then the picture changes. Put these moments in order, first to last.

    • Blue's nine drops in front
    • Blue's ten occupies your six
    • Near center back steps with cover
    • Your six takes the checking nine

    Coach’s explanation: The six takes the nine first, then the ten blocks that handoff, so the center back steps.

  5. Question 5

    Now the nine receives on the right, and the ten still occupies your six. Drag the right center back.

    • Keep retreating toward goal
    • Step to the nine with cover
    • Tuck in beside your partner

    Coach’s explanation: The six is busy with the ten, so the near center back steps while the partner covers.

Play it on the island