Build-Up Basics | Moving the Ball with a Connected Midfield Three

Overview

• Who: U15 and up, players who already understand their midfield role
• Numbers: 10 players (7 on the build-up team, 3 defending)
• Field size: 40m x 60m, split into four zones

Objectives

• Get your midfield three working as one unit
• Build the flow of possession and sharpen the decisions that turn it into attack
• Teach support play that reads distances and angles between positions
• Bake the tempo of quick passing into their bodies

Setup

This one has your three midfielders (MF) roaming inside a big grid and moving the ball forward. The defending team pushes back, so your players have to keep shifting and keep creating passing options the whole time.

1) Split the field into four zones and start with one MF in each zone

2) The build-up side starts the ball from a fullback

3) The three MFs work together to move the ball forward until the attacking team’s forward finishes with a shot

4) The three defenders apply light pressure on the MFs to sharpen their reaction speed

5) A rep ends on a ball win or a goal