Build-Up Play in Free Play

• 1 goal

The game is played freely, without opponents, to internalize movement patterns. The play always starts from the goalkeeper or a center-back.

• Center-backs spread out to the width of the penalty area.
• The defensive midfielder offers themselves centrally.
• Full-backs push up high.
• The strikers come close together to create space on the flanks.
• For a long goal kick, the goalkeeper signals (raises an arm) and then all players in the center move together. This increases the chance of winning the ball.

Coaching Points 

• Initially, 2, later 3 passive opposing players act as forwards and vary their width and height. Solutions in build-up play:
  • If strikers are wide and high: the defensive midfielder offers in the gap and center-backs drop deep beside the penalty area lines.
  • Lots of space on the wing: chip ball to full-backs.
  • Defensive midfielder has an opponent behind: near-side midfielder pulls away, far-side midfielder comes short.