Developing Play from the Back

Drill Objective(s) 1. To train the ability to build up and play out from the back. 2. Maintain possession in the defensive third.
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Drill No: Age: No Players: Difficulty: Area/Time:

FUN5 12-Adult 12 (10) Medium 30x15yrd Field (45x30yrd) (25mins)

Diagram 1

ORGANISATION: Mark out Using a 30x15yrd area for the first part of this drill, arrange 4 players playing out from the back (yellow) and 1 attacker (red) who is pressuring the ball. The white coned line indicates the scoring line.

INSTRUCTIONS:
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The 4 defenders (yellow) attempt to keep possession of the ball (4vs1) and score by running the ball over the opposite line. The line represents the midfield area of the field. When the opportunity arises the defenders dribble

(run with the ball over the line). Set up a second area (shown in Diagram 2) for the other players on the team performing the same drill in the opposite direction.

SCORING: Score by dirbbling across the white line (defenders). Attackers score by dribbling back over the end line (orange line).

KEY COACHING POINTS: 1. Spread out when in possession of the ball. The 2 outside defenders should go as wide as possible. 2. The back 4 assumes a half moon shape. 3. Supporting angles should be good. 4. Communication between the defenders. 5. Placement of the passes in front of each other. 6. Look up to see if the ball can be dribbled forward. 7. Receive with an open body stance. Diagrams below 2,3,4 Progression to 2 Groups and to 4vs2 with goals.

PROGRESSIONS: 1. Change the number of defenders to increase the difficulty (depending on the numbers you have available; 4vs2, 3vs1, 4vs3, etc). Refer to Diagram 3.

VARIATIONS 1. Add two goals and have the strikers who were originally just pressing and pressurising combine with their own back 4 in attempts to score. A4 runs with the ball into the other half or can dribble across and combine. Once the ball is lost or a goal is scored he/she returns to their own half. Refer to Diagram 4. 2. With the same playing area, this time the ball must be passed across the half way line. Once a successful pass is made into the forward, one other player can step forward across the half way line to support in the attack. In Diagram 4, A1 (third man runner) steps forwrd to support. Once the ball is lost or a goal is scored he/she returns to their own half. 3. The attacking player stays in the attacking half at all times. 2 defenders are allowed to join him by either passing or dribbling over the half way line. 2 players hang back and offer support from behind. 4. Finally add another attacker to make this game 6vs6. The area may need to be increased in length. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS: Switch on to spread and attack. Positive runs from the player type involved. Recycle runs if not played the ball. Patience to build the attack until a good opportunity arises to play this type of pass.