Defending training

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This training type trains the defending skill for all central defender and wingbacks. About 13% of the managers train defending. Note that defensive positions also trains the defending skill, for more players (midfield as well) but at a slower rate (about 50 % of defending training).

Pros

• Training defenders is traditionally the most profitable training regime
• Up to ten players may be trained every week, the maximum among primary skill training regimes
• Interesting tactical options, involving CA, and different uses of wingbacks

Cons

• Due to maximal training depending on playing five defenders each game, the attack and midfield of a defense trainer is necessarily weakened, as half the team is playing in defense.
• Managers must choose between training at maximum potential, or switching to a 'better' formation with fewer players at the back in league games
• Defence trainers often need to buy defenders with passing, enabling them to counter attack. These players will not recoup full value at the time of selling
• Training is the slowest of the main training types
• Lack of goals means supporters are reluctant to follow your club
• Can be boring, as players take some time to increase in skill, and games are low scoring
• Difficult for newbies, as defence is less important in lower series.

Possible training plan

Here is a training plan for a team playing 4-5-1 and 4-4-2 for league games and 5-4-1 for friendlies. The idea is to maximize the number of a-teamers who are receiving training.

4 defender trainees.

1 winger who plays in defence in friendlies and so is also a trainee to become a nice balanced wingback. 19-20yo and as much wing as you can afford.

4 IMers who also train defence in friendlies.

1 winger who is old and cheap.

2 forwards who are old and cheap.

This gives you the flexibility to play all permutations of 4-5-1 and 4-4-2 in competitive matches, with any amount of F, W, and WTM you like. It also keeps your outlay low as your non-defence players are also trainees during the friendlies, and means you don't have many players hanging around not training and not accumulating value (only 3 A teamer outfielders are non training). And you still have the full complement of 9 trainees!

Note this regime increases the chance of injuries to your IM players as they play twice each week, which is why they need to be young so they heal fast!

Federations

• Defense Trainers
• Nederlandse Verdedigings Federatie (Dutch)
• Föderation für Abwehrspieler (German)
• Pakkitreenarit! (Finnish)