Tactics / Build-up

Make three at the back

When two strikers press our two centre-backs, the holding midfielder drops between them. Three against two means one of us is always free.

In possessionFrom 9v9Match moment: Beat the press

FREEGK45632810
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Pressing works by matching numbers. If we add one player to the back line, their two forwards cannot cover three, and the free player can carry the ball forward.

What players do

  • 6 drops between the centre-backs, facing forward, as soon as two forwards press.
  • The centre-backs split wide, almost to the touchlines of the box.
  • The full-backs push on, because the wide centre-backs now cover their space.
  • Find the free player, then carry the ball forward until someone comes to you.

Common mistakes

  • 6 drops when only one forward is pressing, so midfield is left empty for nothing.
  • The free centre-back passes straight away instead of carrying the ball forward to draw a player.
  • Full-backs staying deep, so we have four at the back and nobody in midfield.

With young players

A great first lesson in "find the free player". In 9v9, a 3-2-3 already has three at the back, so practise the same idea with the keeper as the extra player.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: The inverted full-back

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Be the fourth passer behind the three.
    • Stand behind the three so you are the fourth passer.
    • Play to the free centre-back on the outside.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Split wide and carry the ball forward when you are free.
    • Carry the ball forward into space when no one comes.
    • Pass to the side away from the presser.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Holding midfielder drops in; the other midfielders move up to fill the space.
    • 6: drop between the centre-backs, facing forward.
    • 8s: push up to fill the space 6 leaves.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Stay high to pin their back line.
    • Wingers: stay wide so the outside pass is on.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.