Tactics / Build-up
Play out from the back
Start attacks with short passes from the goalkeeper, instead of kicking it long and hoping.
Why it works
A long kick is a 50-50 at best. A short pass to a free defender keeps the ball, and draws the other team forward, which leaves space behind them.
What players do
- Centre-backs split wide, to the edges of the penalty area.
- Full-backs push high and wide. The holding midfielder drops into the gap between the centre-backs, facing forward.
- If a defender is pressed, the keeper is always a safe pass back.
- Once the first line is beaten, play forward quickly.
Common mistakes
- Defenders stay too close together, so one presser can cover both.
- Receiving facing your own goal, so you can only pass back.
- Passing to a teammate who is marked, just because it is short.
- Panicking after one mistake and going long for the rest of the match.
With young players
In 5v5 and 7v7 the retreat line gives defenders time to receive. Use it. Mistakes will lead to goals at first; keep going, because the habit pays off for years.
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.
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.
- GKGoalkeeper
- Start with a short pass, and stay available for a pass back.
- Pass to the foot further from the presser.
- After passing, move so the centre-back can pass back.
Position guide: Goalkeeper
- DEFDefenders
- Split to the edges of the box and face forward.
- Stand on the edges of the box, half-turned.
- Look before the ball comes so you know who is pressing.
Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back
- MIDMidfielders
- Drop into the gap, receive on the half-turn, play forward.
- Show on the side away from the presser.
Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder
- ATT
Practices that train it
Start with the first, and build up to the game.
possession · 15 min · 7 to 12, including a goalkeeper
Playing out from the goalkeeper
The keeper starts with the ball. Defenders split wide to receive. In 5v5 and 7v7 the other team must wait in their own half at goal kicks until the ball is in play, so there is time to play.
possession · 12 min · Groups of 5
Rondo: 4 against 1
Four players keep the ball from one defender in the middle. If the defender wins it, the player who lost it goes in.
first touch · 12 min · You and a friend
Receive on the half-turn
Your friend passes to you from behind. Open your body, take the ball with your back foot and play forward through a gate.