Build-up play ยท U12 to adult

Escape the wide trap

The full-back is pressed near the touchline; the winger, midfielder and centre-back rotate to give escape routes. Teaches teams not to panic when trapped wide.

U12 to adultAges
6 to 9 plus a keeperPlayers
Wide defensive areaArea
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

  • Full-back, centre-back, winger and a midfielder on one side.
  • Three pressers who trap the full-back.

Equipment: Goal, cones, bibs, balls

How it works

  1. Ball is played to the full-back; pressers trap them against the line.
  2. Winger drops, midfielder moves inside, centre-back gives a back-pass option.
  3. Escape the trap and switch or play forward.

Coaching points

  • Full-back: protect the ball, look for the escape.
  • Support players: get angles, not in a line.
  • Switch play once you're out.

Formations this drill suits

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Two pressers

Make it harder

  • Four pressers, one-touch support players

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

Questions about this drill?

Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.

More build-up play drills