From the Back to the Flank | Building Out Under the Press

Overview

• Works for U12 and up
• Realistic attacking build-up in 11v11
• Teams that want to learn the basics of building out
• Teams that struggle to handle the press

Objectives

• After the goal kick, move the ball forward with confidence even while getting pressed
• Link the back line and midfield to open up safe passing lanes
• Sharpen decision-making to break the lines, always looking to switch it wide
• Stay calm under pressure and keep creating options

Setup

This is an 11v11 session played in a third of the field. It starts from the keeper’s kick, and the attacking team builds out and works the ball all the way up to the goal in the wide zone. The defending team applies steady pressure to push the attackers’ decision-making and execution.

１）The goalkeeper starts play with a kick.

２）The back line — two center backs and two fullbacks — becomes the first passing option.

３）The pressing players go after the ball and put the back line under pressure.

４）The back line and the holding mid link up with short passes and work the ball out to the flank.

５）The fullback finds space so he doesn’t get closed down, then plays the ball wide.

６）The wide player takes it on the dribble or whips in a cross to reach the final third.

７）If the pressing team wins it, they counter right away. The attacking team resets and starts over.