Build-Up vs. Pressing | Sharpen Your Transitions

Overview

• 13 players (1 GK, 3 DF, 4 MF, 2 FW, plus 3 attacking FW)
• Field size 50m × 65m
• Work on build-up and pressing in the same session
• Get your players ready for games where the ball flips from attack to defense in a heartbeat

Objectives

• Build out from the back with confidence
• Sharpen how quickly your players close down and squeeze the opponent when defending
• Train the split-second decision to attack the moment you win the ball back
• Put possession into practice by using the space in front of you

Setup

The GK feeds the ball to the possession team, who work it out from the back, through midfield, and up toward goal. The defending team disrupts the build-up, and the instant they win it, they break the other way at full pace.

１）Start the ball with the GK

２）The 3 defenders knock it around with short passes

３）The 4 midfielders receive under pressure and drive it forward

４）The 2 forwards look to finish in front of goal

５）The defending team (3 forwards) presses early, right from the moment the opponent starts building out

６）The second they win it, they attack the opposite side