Practice 2: 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

Use half a pitch if available, with a full-size goal and four mini goals. 

Defenders playing out from the back have a 6v4 advantage, using numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 against the opposition’s numbers 7, 9, 10 and 11.

HOW TO play

The game always restarts from a goal kick. The team playing out from the back aims to score in any of the four mini goals, while the opposition aims to win back possession and score in the full-sized goal.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

Progress to add more players. The first progression will add the number 8 for both teams, to create a 7v5. The second progression will create a 7v6 by adding the opposition’s number 6.

COACHING POINTS

Working with team playing out from the back:

• Numbers 2 and 3 should have high and wide starting positions, to maximise space to play in the defensive third and force opposition’s numbers 7 and 11 to drop.
• Encourage numbers 4 and 5 to take their first touch forward.
• Encourage awareness to create 2v1 in central and wide areas.
• Decision-making to switch play through the goalkeeper or opposite centre-back if no forward options.
• Timing of movement for numbers 6 and 8 to support player on the ball to create overloads.