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Playing out from the back
Welcome to our collection of session plans focused on building play from the defensive third, compiled from Premier League and EFL coaching methodologies. This resource provides structured training activities designed to develop confident and effective possession from goalkeepers and defenders.
These session plans address key components of playing out from the back, including goalkeeper distribution, defender positioning, creating passing angles, recognizing pressing triggers, and transitioning through midfield lines. Each plan outlines clear setup instructions, player roles, progressions, and specific coaching points.
The sessions range from basic build-up patterns to more complex scenarios involving opponent pressure, offering applications for teams at different development stages. They reflect the balanced approach taken by professional coaches who combine principles of structured possession with practical risk management.
Implement these sessions to help your team develop the technical skills, decision-making, and positional awareness needed to build attacks confidently from deep positions while maintaining defensive security.
Our picks
Try these sessions selected by our coaching team if you're not sure where to start. Or scroll down to browse all the sessions in this section
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