Breaking Lines in the Build-Up | DM–FW Combinations

Overview

• Defensive midfielders (DM): receive the ball, move quick, and slip out of the defender’s shadow
• Forwards: support the DM and use their body to hold space
• Defenders: read the DM’s movement and step in to apply pressure
• Everyone: learn how to break the opponent’s back line and drive the ball forward

Objectives

• Build the ability to receive cleanly and make decisions under pressure
• Sharpen the DM–FW connection so players hunt for gaps in the defense and move the ball through them
• Understand the basics of building up to get in behind the defensive line
• Work on timing and passing accuracy at the same time, so it carries over into game-like attacks

Setup

This is a build-up drill where your DM and forward link up under pressure to break down the opponent’s defensive line.

１）Set up a DM, a forward, and 1–2 defenders on the field

２）The DM checks the defenders’ positions first, then receives while moving to slip out of the shadow

３）The forward drops in to support, using body shape to hold space and pin the defender

４）When the DM receives, they play accurately, staying aware of the distance to the nearest opponent

５）Once the build-up works, play it all the way through to a finish