The 4-3-2-1 system is used by many top teams at all levels. It is successful because it allows you to stay organized and compact defensively, while still allowing you to attack aggressively. In this system the Center Back is a critical part of your defense and if you have the right player in that position they will be able to initiate attack from the back.

In the clip below Marcus Wood, Hardin-Simmons University Head Women’s Soccer Coach, discusses the qualities that you need in your center back and describes the movements that the center back must make. Coach Wood provides you with a list of these qualities and movements and supports his points with video clips from game footage.

For more information about how the play this system, you may click the link Playing the 4-3-2-1 System

The YouTube video has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site (some schools block access to YouTube)