By Mike Smith
“The only team that can score is the team with the ball.” If I had a dollar for every time I have heard a coach say that……well, you know. The fact is, there is no simpler wisdom in soccer. However, most of us have been in those situations where a better side has us locked in our end and we simply delay the next attack by sending goal kick after goal kick as far away from the goal as we can, hoping for a bit of breathing room or a searching ball that gets behind the opponents back line. The only way to really break this pressure is to play out of it and once a team realizes they can do so they will actually become a different, much better team.
Here ( above ) is a typical scenario of a team facing high pressure when trying to play out from a goal kick. One of the keys here is to buck conventional wisdom a bit and start with two center backs right at the top of the box where the arc intersects. This will draw in eager forwards, HOWEVER, it will also open space to play OUT and move the ball AWAY from goal as opposed to moving it IN towards goal to a player starting wide and checking back. Also, any mis hits, poor passes or turnovers here can be immediately pressured and covered and will not immediately expose the goal as commonly happens when working from the outside first. Also, the outside backs can still provide width out on the lines.
Play starts with one center back moving out wide. The opposite side mid ( shown above as the left mid) and the center forward or attacking mid ( shown ) should also move in the direction of the center back. This movement alone gives several options. 1. Play to the center back who is turning wide up the line. 2. If the opposing forward goes with the center back, look to play in the lane to the oncoming mid. 3. IF the movement of the mids and forwards creates confusion for the opponent the holding mid could be open as well. With good runs and positioning, any of these movements ( as well as others )create numbers up around the ball ( shown below )
The highlighted area ( above ) shows the 3 v 1 and the additional options should the pressing opposition move to the ball.
The above diagram shows another example of passing options should the opposing forward step out with the center back and apply pressure.
While it always looks easier on paper, the concept is sound. With good positioning, timing and passing, a central back who can make an accurate pass under pressure can start a passing chain which will allow your team to pass out of pressure, keep the ball and perhaps spark a counter and burn an overly aggressive opponent. Create this situation as a drill to help your team play out under pressure in a game.
Set Up
Section off part of the field from one edge of the penalty box, to the top of the defensive third using a bit more than two thirds of the field ( as shown ). Play starts from a goal kick, with players aligned as they will be in a game. There are 4 attacking players ready to play out and 4 defending players ready to intercept and shoot on goal. The attacking team has an open target player just outside the cone box. This player will be open automatically in a game, unless the opponent plays with a 3 man back line. Even if marked, with good timing and movement, a skilled mid fielder will be able to get open and show to the ball. The attacking team scores each time they play the ball to the feet of their target player, the defending team scores by intercepting the ball and shooting on goal.
Ideally the center back breaks wide, is hit with a pass and can combine up the line or directly to the target player. To start, IF the defending player goes with the center back, the keeper can send the ball directly to the target player. As defenders step out to cut this direct pass off, additional players in the box will be open.
Once the groups have gotten the hang of it, extend the cones across the top of the defensive third ( as shown below )add another attacking and defending player on the other wing and let the defending team mark the attacking team’s target player. Once the attacking team is comfortable playing out, they are ready to try it in a match.
Coaching Points
Good movement, timing and passing are critical here. Also, the coach should stress that passes be over hit. It helps your team’s touch, makes most mistakes happen past the target player ( which puts them in good defensive position after the turnover) and makes stealing the ball harder on the defending players looking to play back clean.
By Mike Smith
Currently the Head Coach for University Heights Academy Boys Soccer in Hopkinsville, KY , Mike is in his 14th year as a high school head coach with 23 years coaching experience overall and 34 year as a student and fan of the game. He holds a USSF D License.
