CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Cover and balance

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM PRINCIPLEBuild pressure on the ballSUB-PRINCIPLE

Cover and balance

Supporting defenders remove immediate passing options and protect inside.

Required player actions

  • #8 covers inside the pressing #7; #10 performs the same job behind #11 on the other side.
  • #6 protects the next central pass while the far interior and winger narrow to remove easy escapes.
  • The ball-side fullback supports underneath and the centre-backs retain cover against a direct ball.
COACHING QUESTION

Who covers the player applying pressure?

View example practices
Preventing build upAttacking half
12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Ball-side pressure and supporting cover · 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

Cover and balance

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Remove the inside exits

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. Begin with the opposition left-back receiving from a centre-back while our #7 presses.

Practice task

#8 positions to remove the near inside pass, #6 protects the next central receiver and #11 narrows from the far side. The opponent can combine, recycle or go long; a regain starts normal attacking play.

What to observe

The pressing winger has cover and the opponent cannot escape through an unmarked central player with one simple pass.

Progression

Let the opposition pivot rotate with an interior so covering players must communicate new 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. 29, 34. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.