Clearing the ball after a save or missed shot can be difficult when the other team is riding hard.

The Four Across clear gives the defense a simple setup that creates multiple passing options and helps players move the ball safely up the field.

The setup starts behind the cage with four players across the end line and three players near the midfield line.

How the Four Across Clear Is Set Up

The basic setup looks like this:

  • Four players are spread across the back of the field near the end line.

  • Three players are positioned around the midfield line.

  • The ball starts behind the cage.

  • Players move the ball up the field using short, easy passes.

The goal is not to force one big pass.

Instead, the defense works together to find the easiest way forward.

Why Use Four Across?

One of the biggest advantages is the number of passing options behind the cage.

When facing an aggressive man ride, the four players in the back give the ball carrier several easy outlets.

If one player is pressured, the ball can quickly move to another defender.

The setup also creates more space around midfield because there are only three players positioned there instead of four.

That extra space can make it easier to move the ball forward.

Four Across Against a Zone Ride

The Four Across clear can also work against a zone ride.

A zone usually doesn't push all the way back to the end line. This gives the defense some room to move the ball and build momentum.

The defenders can then use their four-player advantage to move the ball around each part of the zone.

The goal is to keep passing until an open player appears near midfield.

Once the ball reaches midfield, the defense can continue the clear toward the attack area.

Take the Easy Pass

One of the most important ideas in the Four Across clear is to take the easiest path.

You don't always need to make the longest pass.

If a short pass is open, take it.

If you can safely carry the ball forward, do that.

The defense should avoid forcing difficult passes when an easy option is available.

Think:

Easy pass. Easy step. Keep moving.

Walk the Ball Up the Field

The Four Across clear does not always need to happen at full speed.

When there is space, players can move the ball up slowly and safely.

As the ball moves forward, players continue to pass and adjust their positions.

This makes it harder for the riding team to trap the ball carrier.

Eventually, someone should become open.

That's when the defense can make the pass that moves the ball into the midfield or attack area.

React to the Ride

The setup gives the defense a starting point, but players still need to read what the riding team does.

If the ride changes, the clear needs to change with it.

Look for:

  • The open player

  • The easiest passing lane

  • Space behind the ride

  • A teammate moving into position

  • A safe path toward midfield

Don't force the original plan if the defense has a better option.

Final Thoughts

The Four Across clear is a simple way to move the ball out of the defensive end.

With four players spread across the back and three players near midfield, the defense has plenty of passing options.

The biggest lesson is simple: don't make the clear harder than it needs to be.

Take the easy pass, move the ball up the field, and keep looking for the open player.

Against both aggressive man rides and zone rides, staying patient and using the extra passing options can help the defense safely get the ball into the attack area.