CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Keep a defensive shape behind the ball

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

Custom build example. This illustrates what we can create with you, not a ready-made Trimmer platform. Your branding, features, and workflows are defined around your club. Discuss your idea
Fictional players and staff · Saved session plans, game-day presentations and academy trips stay on this site. Other demo changes reset when you leave or reload.
TEAM PRINCIPLETake countermeasuresSUB-PRINCIPLE

Keep a defensive shape behind the ball

Balance support for possession with protection of central routes.

Required player actions

  • 6 checks the opponent's central outlet before deciding how far to join the attack.
  • The far fullback narrows when needed to help the centre-backs protect a counter.
  • The deeper interior supports behind the ball while tracking the opponent who could receive a regain.
COACHING QUESTION

Who protects us if the next pass is lost?

View example practices
Creating & scoringAttacking half
12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Cover behind the attack · Gold rings: key roles

Blue plays toward the top goal. The shaded area identifies the phase; supporting roles may sit outside it. All 22 players retain their 4-3-3 positions.

Back to sub-principle
EXAMPLE PRACTICES

Keep a defensive shape behind the ball

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Balance an overlapping fullback

12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Starting picture · Blue: Northbridge · Sand: opposition · Gold rings: focus players · White dot: ball

A starting picture for the practice, with the focus players highlighted. Both teams keep their 4-3-3 roles; movement and decisions develop through live play.

Organization

11v11, full pitch, two goals, both teams in 4-3-3 with normal offside. Start as 2 advances outside 7.

Practice task

Attack normally. 6, 3 and the centre-backs organize behind the overlap, checking the opposition outlets before any turnover occurs.

What to observe

The team retains a useful supporting pass and cover for the central route if the wide attack breaks down.

Progression

The opposition may leave one or two forwards high, so cover must adapt to their positions.

Upload principle video

Add a video for this principle. Files stay in this browser for this visit; this example does not store them on a server.

No principle video added.

Club-authored practice examples applying this sub-principle. Adapt pitch dimensions, bout lengths and challenge to the players; the source framework is for U13-U14.

Related sub-principles

Adapted from the supplied U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework · U13-U14 Game Model and Learning Plan, pp. 16, 22. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.