Practice 1: Break lines to play out

WHY USE IT

This session develops players’ ability to break the first line of pressure and successfully play out from the back, enabling them to problem-solve in the moment through creating 2v1 opportunities.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players, ideally using a relevant area of the pitch to support spatial awareness and training-to-matchday success. 

Mark out three zones across the area and a target zone furthest from the goal. 

Defenders playing out from the back have a 3v2 advantage. You also need a goalkeeper and a target player.

HOW TO play

Two defenders start in the first zone and must play out 2v1 into the next zone to progress. 

One of these players joins the next zone to create another 2v1. They must pass into the target player to score. 

If the out-of-possession team wins the ball, they aim to score in the goal.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

Progress to add an additional defending player in the second zone to make the pass into the target player more challenging.

COACHING POINTS

• Attract initial pressure to create a 2v1 overload, prior to releasing the ball, to break the first line of pressure.
• Look to attract the next line of pressure by driving forward with the ball.
• Receiving players need direction on maintaining optimal angles in supporting positions.
• Players should determine if a ball should be played into feet or space.