CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Close the centre

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM PRINCIPLEDeny the finishSUB-PRINCIPLE

Close the centre

Narrow to deny direct passes into dangerous finishing positions.

Required player actions

  • #6 fronts the centre-backs and blocks the direct pass into a central finishing position.
  • #4 and #5 reduce the gap between them while keeping a view of the ball and the striker's run.
  • The far fullback narrows with the back line; the near fullback pressures the ball with inside cover.
COACHING QUESTION

Can they play between us toward goal?

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.

Back to sub-principle
EXAMPLE PRACTICES

Close the centre

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Screen the pass into the striker

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 an opposition interior facing our goal outside the final third and their striker moving across the centre-backs.

Practice task

#6 screens the central pass while the nearest interior applies pressure. #4 and #5 protect the gap and adjust to the striker; fullbacks narrow as needed. The opponent may play through, carry or go wide.

What to observe

The striker cannot receive centrally and turn without pressure, and our line still tracks a run beyond it.

Progression

Allow the striker to drop and an interior to run behind, requiring #6 and the centre-backs to exchange references.

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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.