Build-up play in a 4-3-3

This session is about playing out from the back in a 4-3-3 formation, coaching players on how to move the ball well and build through the units. It focuses on individual player movement, timing of runs to receive and support and, of course, an excellent end product.

It’s important to practise the principles outlined in this session because every player needs to understand the philosophy behind how we try to play, and must know their roles and responsibilities within this system. It’s a blueprint we’ve used frequently this season, taking different scenarios and different interpretations of the plan. Working on this in a dedicated manner in training means we always see the rewards play out on match day.

What do I get the players to do?

Phase of play (7v6)

This practice uses the full width of the pitch, and 65 yards in length.

The aim here is for the midfield three (reds) to combine with the front three, with players setting up as shown (1). Each move begins with the coach, who moves along the line to different positions before serving into the area. In the scenario shown, the ball is moved forward through the area with reds looking to score in the goal (2).

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No throw-ins, goal kicks or corners are allowed, and if a goal is scored, or the defending team regains possession, the ball is played back to the coach as quickly as possible so the practice can restart.

What are the key things to look out for?

We’re looking for player movement, movement to receive, quality and timing of pass, timing of support runs, and a positive goalscoring end product.

Phase of play (9v8)

On the same playing area we now construct an outfield 9v8 in favour of the attackers. This is essentially a progression of the 7v6, with the attacking team having added full-backs and the defending team now benefitting from added wingers (3). Attacking midfielders and full-backs must combine with the front three. The move subscribes to the same rules as the first practice (4).

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What are the key things to look out for?

We’re looking for players to continue looking out for the key points learnt in the first practice, as well as helping to fully harness the power of the full-backs’ overlapping runs. We again want to see good rotation of the midfield three, as well as players receiving on the half-turn in the centre of the park.

11v11 game

Now moving onto a full pitch, the emphasis here is for play to be built up through the units. In this, another progression, the attacking team has added centre-halves and a keeper, while the defending team now includes two centre-forwards (5).

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The coach starts the practice by chipping the ball to the attacking side’s keeper – here it’s the blues (6). If reds win the ball they must attempt a shot on target within five passes. If the ball goes dead for any reason restart as before with the coach.

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What are the key things to look out for?

In the 11v11 game, we want to see the same passing and movement practised previously, whilst also looking to protect against missed attacking opportunities, or worse still, loss of possession. These will occur if there is poor or insufficient movement in receiving a pass, or a lack of running and movement off the ball which should be helping to move defending players out of position.

Incorrect support runs will also thwart progress, as well poor quality or incorrect timing of passes.