Watch as Coach David Newbery explains that a lot of teams play with three players up top so defending with 4 players makes a lot of sense. Defensive strategies for playing a back 4 include playing a high line which prevents long passes over the defense and makes the opponent's strikers work to stay onside. The width of the field is covered, and this helps stop penetration.
Why Play a Back 4 Defense? with David Newbery – Institute of Youth Sports Leaders
