Playing out from the back · 11v11 4-3-3

Playing out from the back in a 4-3-3

The 4-3-3 is built for playing out. Against two strikers, the holding midfielder drops between the centre-backs to make three at the back, the full-backs push high, and the two number 8s find the pockets either side of their midfield. With the front three pinning their back four, there is a free player in every line.

Step 1 of 5

They press with two strikers. Our holding midfielder drops between the centre-backs.

Drawn for 11v11 4-3-3. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.

Step by step

They press with two strikers. Our holding midfielder drops between the centre-backs.
Three at the back, full-backs high, the 8s in the pockets, the front three pinning their defenders.
Keeper to the holding midfielder. Their two strikers can only cover two of our three.
Out to the free centre-back, who carries it forward. Their wide midfielder has to come out.
That leaves our full-back or our 8 free. Into the 8 in the pocket, who turns.

When to use it

From goal kicks and settled possession against teams pressing with two strikers, the most common grassroots press.

Coaching points

The holding midfielder drops between the centre-backs, who split wide.
Full-backs push high and wide, level with their midfield.
The two 8s find pockets between their midfielders and defenders.
Wingers and the striker pin their back four so the pockets stay open.
Play forward into an 8 who has turned, then attack.

Who does what

Position	Their job
Holding midfielder (6)	Drops between the centre-backs, receives facing forward.
Centre-backs	Split to the edges of the box, carry it forward when free.
Full-backs	High and wide, the outlet past their wide midfielders.
8s	Find the pockets, receive half-turned, drive forward.
Front three	Pin the back line. Winger and full-back never on the same line.

When they change it

If they…	You…
Their striker follows our 6 when they drop	The other central midfielder is free: play into them.
Their wide midfielders press our centre-backs	The full-back on that side is free: play down the line.
They press with three	The 6 stays in midfield and the keeper becomes the spare player.

Common mistakes

The 6 dropping in when there's no need, leaving the middle empty.
Full-backs and wingers on top of each other near the touchline.
8s standing in front of their midfielders instead of between the lines.

At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11

7v7: At 7v7, the 2-1-2-1 diamond plays out with the same idea.
9v9: At 9v9, a 3-2-3 already has three at the back.
11v11: The board: an 11v11 4-3-3 against a 4-4-2 press.

See the full 11v11 4-3-3 formation guide for the shape, positions and drills.

Drills to practise it

The 6 drops between the centre-backs

U12 to adult · 7 to 10 plus a keeper

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4-3-3: build through the free eight

U12 to adult · 9 to 15 plus keepers

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4-3-3: eight drops, winger runs in behind

U12 to adult · 8 to 11 plus a keeper

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Split centre-backs and the dropping midfielder

U12 to adult · 8 to 10 plus a keeper

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Inverted full-back build-up

U14 to adult · 8 to 12 plus a keeper

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Questions coaches ask

What is 'salida lavolpiana'?

The name often used for a holding midfielder dropping between the centre-backs to make a back three when building. It gives a spare player against two strikers.

Should the full-backs go high when we play out?

Yes, if the holding midfielder has dropped in to make three. Width higher up stretches their midfield.

What if we keep losing the ball when we play out?

Expect it at first. Keep the shape, practise the same patterns in training under light pressure, and judge the decision rather than the result. If a game is getting away from you, it's fine to mix in a longer pass to the striker for a spell.

More tactics boards

With the ball

Playing out from the back

How to play out from the back at grassroots level: the goal-kick shape, making the pitch big, the third player, and what to do when they press. Animated at 7v7.

Watch it →