By Sean Pearson
Area Size: 40 x 50 yards. (end zone 20 x 2 yards)
Teams: 6 v 6 + 1
Time: 25 Minutes
Objectives
- To build possession from the center backs
- To work together as a team to create opportunities to move the ball forward
Each team has 2 CB’s off the main area of the field, they start the game off each time. Both teams have a CM, 2 WM and a ST. A neutral is used to create an overload in the midfield for passing options. To start with instruct your team not to high press but to defend how they see fit. Work with one side and see if the other team also responds to what you are coaching.
When either CB has the ball, there are specific movements that other players should make to create different options. The CM drops down and away from the ball, the WM start high and drops down and further wide and the neutral moves opposite to the CM. The ST aims to stretch the defense by moving as far away from the ball that the defender moves with them.
This then gives the CB 3 different options to pass the ball forwards. You can see here the movement of all players allows the neutral more space to receive the ball beyond the first line of pressure. It is up to the CB to decide where to pass the ball depending on the positioning of the defending team. When a player receives the ball the first option is to continue to play forward whilst making high percentage passes to maintain possession.
If the CM is passed the ball and pressured they can pass backwards to the opposite CB. If there is no obvious passing option available, then encourage them to bring the ball forward into the space ahead of them. If this happens the CM takes their place at CB to maintain defensive discipline. Now the CB will draw attention from opposition which is when options for a pass become available.
The whole point of playing out from the back is to make high percentage passes to move the ball forward. This can only be achieved through movement of all other players to effect the opposition and a confidence and composure in possession. If the defense is well organized know when to go back, but also know when to penetrate to attack. When the ball is in the attacking third of the field the team can shoot. If there is no GK apply a 1 touch finish rule, you can even put cones in the goal in the middle so only goals in the corners count.
Coaching Points
- Movement of players ahead of the ball is key for creating passing options forwards
- Move players out of position by ball movement and having composure to play high percentage passes
Variations
- Add a GK
- Play with 2 touch
- The striker must touch the ball before scoring
By Sean Pearson. Sean is also the author Coaching Team Shape in the 3-3-1, Coaching Team Shape in the 4-2-3-1 and Coaching Team Shape in the 4-3-3
