Playing across the back four

Barca soccer style is built from the back. Not only do they very rarely smack the ball forward hopefully, the goalie almost never punts it. Defenders are trained to move the ball laterally all the time, switching from side to side.
Barca makes this look easy. Their youngest players play like this. But it takes practice and organization.

Key points:
• The center defenders must space themselves widely. Too close together and they are easy to shut down.
• The full backs should be almost on the touchline. This forces the attackers to defend almost the entire width of the pitch
• Defenders must work hard to make sure that the pass backwards is always an option
• The goalie must be part of the system, a good option for a pass back. Must be calm with the ball, draw a forward and then pass to space. Defenders must help him.
• Center mids must work to become open when the center backs have the ball. They are the first option. Barca constantly makes 20-30 yards passes on the ground straight upfield from the center backs to center mids
• Wing mids must come back for the ball when it is on their side. They should then look for the quick linking pass to the center mids.

So being able to move the ball around at the back results from a team effort to ensure that player with the ball always has options

Training
Key is to ensure that defenders become confident enough on the ball that they can look for first, second, third option.

Center defender:
First option: pass square to other center D
Second option: pass wide to near side full back
Third option: pass up middle to center mid
Fourth option: pass back to goalie (at an angle)

Full back:
First option: Pass upfield to wing midfielder
Second options: Square/back pass to nearest center D
Third option: Pass back to goalie

NOTE: diagonal forward passes to defensive mid or center mids are often too risky and should be avoided where possible

Drill
4 defenders vs 2 attackers, full size field. Goalie rolls ball out to defenders. Objective is to maintain control and pass the ball to receivers acting as wing forwards.
• 2 attackers try to exert maximum pressure. They are replaced after 3 iterations and switch with the wing receivers.
• Attackers must learn to hunt in pairs and exert pressure efficiently
• Defenders work hard to ensure that man with ball always has options.
• Center D without the ball always drops to ensure an open passing lane
• Balls are played crisply; players must work to control them quickly and efficiently.

Option: require a set number of passes among defenders and goalie (e.g. 3)