Build-up 3 + Goalkeeper v 2: Play Out to the Line
The goalkeeper and three players build up from goal against two pressing forwards and score by dribbling over the far line. Build-up play for small groups.
- Age
- U9–U16
- Players
- 6–10
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 30 × 25 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Waves
- Objectives
- Tactical: Build-up play, Ball possession, Decision making
- Concepts worked on
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Most build-up exercises need a full team. This one works the core of playing out from the back with only six players: the goalkeeper starts every action, two players split wide and a third offers an option inside. Against two forwards there is always a free player — the task is to find them before the press closes the space.
Objective
Play out from the goalkeeper against a two-player press by spreading wide, offering an inside option and finding the free player.
Organisation
- 30 × 25 m area with a goal and goalkeeper on one end line. Mark the opposite end line with cones: it represents the halfway line.
- Three attackers in front of the goal (two wide, one inside) against two defenders in bibs.
- Extra players queue beside the goal and come in after each action. Keep spare balls in the goal.
How it works
- Every action starts with the goalkeeper, ball in hand or at their feet.
- The defenders may press as soon as the goalkeeper releases the ball.
- The attackers score a point by dribbling over the far line with the ball under control.
- If the defenders win the ball, they try to score in the goal within 8 seconds.
- Rotate one attacker and one defender every three actions. 3 series of 4 minutes.
Coaching points
- Wide players: open up towards the touchlines, level with the goalkeeper or slightly ahead. They make the pitch big.
- Inside player: move into the gap between the two forwards, not behind them.
- Goalkeeper: play to the side the forwards are not covering, to the receiver's far foot.
- Receive side-on so the first touch can go forward.
- When a forward jumps out to press you, a teammate is free: play the pass early.
Progressions
- Add a third defender: 3 + goalkeeper v 3.
- Limit the attackers to three touches.
- A pass to a teammate running over the far line scores double.
Regressions
- The defenders may only press after the first pass.
- Widen the area to 30 m.
- Only one defender presses; the second waits on the far line.
Variations
- Replace the far line with two mini goals or cone gates, so the build-up ends with a pass.
Key principles
- Width and depth from the start of the action.
- Find the free player.
- The goalkeeper is the first attacker.
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