Back-Four Defensive Shifting Pattern

Where this template fits

A defensive organization template for teaching back-four shifting, distances, cover shadows, and midfield support across the pitch.

• Defensive unit meetings and post-match review
• Team shape sessions that rely on repeated visual references
• Staff presentations that compare good and bad shifting distances

Key points

• Distances between full-back, center-back, winger, and pivot
• Compactness when the ball travels wide
• Recovery positions behind the pressing player
• Cover shadows and protection of central space

How to build it in the editor

1. 1. Place the back four and nearest midfield support in their starting defensive block.
2. 2. Draw the ball movement and shift only the players whose distances must change.
3. 3. Use a second frame to show where the line becomes too stretched or too passive.
4. 4. Export side-by-side stills or a short animation for comparison in a meeting.