Build-Up Play from Defensive Midfield through Strikers & Wide Areas

• 4 poles
• 1 goal
• Split into teams of 6 vs 2
• 1 ball per round

The right defensive midfielder (No. 6) passes to the oncoming right striker, who moves forward to draw the defender out.

The striker immediately lets the ball drop back to the No. 6. The No. 6 then passes to the right winger. The winger must bring the ball into the penalty area with their second touch. The strikers turn, run into the penalty area, and attempt to finish.

Variant 1: Alternate between left and right. One striker and one defender.

Variant 2: The No. 6's passes alternate between left and right again. This time both strikers and both defenders are involved.

Variant 3: The ball-carrying No. 6 is also allowed to move into the penalty area. However, a midfielder starts from the opposite pole and immediately switches to man-marking.

Variant 4: Like Variant 3, but the far-side midfielder and the outside back also join in.

Coaching Points

• Defenders stay very close to their man
• Passes must be of high quality