Build Out From the Back
Modern football has decided that playing out from the back is the right way.
◆Why this drill works
Modern football has decided that playing out from the back is the right way. Even at grassroots, U13-U16 coaches feel the pressure to do it. The problem: most coaches drill it without pressure (looks great in training, falls apart in matches), or skip drilling it entirely (and have keepers booting it long every match). This drill puts the pressure in from session one. Three opposition players: two strikers pressing, one midfielder reading the angles. Five attacking players: GK, two CBs, two FBs (or wing-backs in newer formats). The attackers learn the patterns under realistic pressure: short to CB if the press is wide, switch to opposite FB if the centre is congested, drive through midfield only when the gap opens. By session 6, build-up is automatic.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Set up on a half-pitch (~40×28 yards). One full goal with GK. Mark a horizontal end zone at the halfway line. The 4 outfield defenders start in their own half.
- Three pressing players start at the halfway line: two strikers + one midfielder. They press the ball when the GK distributes. Their goal: win the ball and shoot at the goal within 6 seconds.
- Attackers' rule: score by getting any player into the end zone WITH the ball. No goals from long balls — must be controlled receipt. This forces the build-up patterns.
- Round 1 (6 min) — STRIKERS PRESS ONE SIDE. Pressing strikers always angle their press to one side (pre-arranged). Defenders practice the basic pattern: GK plays to the open CB, who switches to the opposite FB.
- Round 2 (8 min) — STRIKERS PRESS WHATEVER. Pressing pair improvises. Defenders must read in real-time. This is the cognitive jump — there's no rehearsed pattern, only the principles (open option, switch the play, third-man run).
- Round 3 (6 min) — ADD A MIDFIELDER. The pressing midfielder now blocks the obvious switch ball. Attackers must use a third-man run — CB plays to FB, FB plays first-time back to CB, CB switches. Adds a layer.
- Round 4 (2 min) — REVIEW. Coach asks: 'when did the build-up work? when did it fail?'. Get attackers to articulate the patterns. Embed the cognitive layer — players who CAN explain it tend to USE it.
✓Equipment checklist
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Scanning before receiving to know the next option
- Opening the body to play forward, not square
- Passing into the receiver's path so they can move onto it
Correct when you see
- Receiving square with a closed body — open up to see forward
- Heads down — encourage scanning before the ball arrives
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Reliable touch for passing reps. | Check price → |
| Value | Disc Cones (50-pack) | Set up grids and gates fast. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Rebounder Net | Solo passing & first-touch work. | Check price → |
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