Build-up play ยท U12 to adult

Back three against a two-striker press

When two strikers press a back four, a midfielder drops in to form a back three and create a 3v2. Teaches a key adjustment for playing out.

U12 to adultAges
7 to 10 plus a keeperPlayers
Defensive halfArea
15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

Set-up

  • Keeper, two centre-backs, a midfielder, full-backs.
  • Two pressing strikers.

Equipment: Goal, cones, bibs, balls

How it works

  1. Midfielder drops between or beside the centre-backs.
  2. The back three spread wide to stretch the two strikers.
  3. Find the free player and play into midfield or to the full-back.

Coaching points

  • Drop early, not after the press arrives.
  • Full-backs push higher once the back three forms.
  • Free player carries the ball forward.

Formations this drill suits

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Strikers press at half pace

Make it harder

  • Add a third presser on the midfield

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

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