Futbol Island

11v11 lesson · Intermediate

Back Five: When Can the Wing-back Go?

A wing-back presses only when the touch is slow and a center back covers the winger behind. When that cue is gone, recover.

What the coach says

  1. Your back five has two wing-backs outside three center backs. The near wing-back and outer center back have different jobs when the ball goes wide.
  2. The three midfielders protect inside routes. A wing-back can press a fullback only if the outer center back can cover the winger behind.
  3. The wide receiver takes a slow touch. Your outer center back is goal-side of the winger and the near midfielder protects the inside pass. The wing-back has cover to approach.
  4. The reception is slow and the winger has cover. Which movement uses that support?
  5. The wing-back presses from inside. The outer center back stays with the winger and the near midfielder covers the inside lane behind the pressure.
  6. The fullback now faces forward and carries beyond the pressure. The winger runs behind while an inside runner occupies your outer center back. The earlier pressing cue has gone.
  7. The winger is running behind and your outer defender has an inside runner. What is your next job?
  8. The wing-back recovers goal-side of the wide run. The outer center back handles the inside runner and the near midfielder recovers toward the carrier. The three jobs are shared again.

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 reception is slow and the winger has cover. Which movement uses that support?

    • Approach the fullback
    • Retreat beside the central defender

    Coach’s explanation: Get there while their player is still controlling the ball. The outer center back and near midfielder protect the routes behind and inside you.

  2. Question 2

    The winger is running behind and your outer defender has an inside runner. What is your next job?

    • Press the carrier again
    • Recover with the winger

    Coach’s explanation: Recover goal-side of the wide runner while the outer center back protects the inside threat. The back five must reconnect before another press.

  3. Question 3

    Blue's fullback takes a slow touch. Which picture gives your wing-back cover to press?

    • Near midfielder pushed high
    • Outer center back near the winger
    • Outer center back tucked inside

    Coach’s explanation: The center back is goal-side of the winger and the midfielder guards inside, so the press is covered.

  4. Question 4

    The wing-back presses the fullback. Tap where the outer center back stays.

    • Goal-side of Blue's winger
    • Tucked in beside the center back
    • Up the line behind the wing-back

    Coach’s explanation: The outer center back stays with the winger, so the pressing wing-back has cover behind.

  5. Question 5

    Now Blue's right fullback takes a slow touch, and your right center back holds the winger. Drag your wing-back.

    • Approach the fullback from inside
    • Stay deep near your goal
    • Tuck into midfield

    Coach’s explanation: The touch is slow and the winger is covered, so the wing-back can press from inside.

Play it on the island