3-Zone Attacking Development Game | Linking Build-Up All the Way to the Goal

Overview

• Run it with 18 players
• Field size: 60m × 40m
• Work through three stages — build-up, attacking creativity, and finishing
• The overload for both teams is the heart of this session

Objectives

• Build a calm, clean mindset in the build-up
• Draw out creativity and problem-solving in the central area
• Connect the whole sequence right through to finishing
• Open up more attacking options by using the overload
• Sharpen match-realistic decision-making

Setup

Split the field into three zones — a build-up zone at the back, a creativity zone in the middle, and a finishing zone up top — and give each team an overload in their own build-up zone. The ball starts in the build-up zone, works through the central zone, and looks to score in the finishing zone.

1）Put 4–5 players in each team’s build-up zone, 5–6 in the central zone, and 3–4 in the finishing zone

2）The attacking team wins the ball in the build-up zone to get going

3）Move the ball forward calmly, using the overload

4）As they enter the central zone, have them decide whether to use the width or play the vertical pass

5）Finish by creating a 3v2 or better in the finishing zone and going for goal

6）The moment a goal goes in, flip straight to attack — the team that wins the ball starts a new attack