CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Defend the delivery

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM PRINCIPLEDeny the finishSUB-PRINCIPLE

Defend the delivery

Protect the width of goal and adjust to the cross and runners.

Required player actions

  • The near centre-back adjusts to the delivery line while the partner protects the central finishing threat.
  • The far fullback narrows to cover the far side of goal and tracks the arriving attacker.
  • #1 communicates the delivery decision as #6 and the interiors account for cutbacks and second balls.
COACHING QUESTION

Who protects the near, central and far spaces?

View example practices
Denying chances & scoringDefending half
12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Blue wash: Defending half · Gold box: Goal protection and delivery zone · 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.

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EXAMPLE PRACTICES

Defend the delivery

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Protect near, central and far spaces

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 on a full pitch with two regulation goals, normal offside and both teams in a 4-3-3. Start with the opposition right winger able to cross from our left side; their front line and midfielders make live runs.

Practice task

#5, #4 and #2 adjust across the width of goal, seeing ball and runners. #1 decides whether to claim or set; #6 protects the cutback. Defend the delivery, then continue through the next phase.

What to observe

The delivery meets a coordinated defensive line with near, central and far threats accounted for; players attack a reachable ball.

Progression

Vary early crosses, deeper deliveries and cutbacks so defending positions respond to flight and runner movement.

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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. 31, 34. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.