Playing out from the back

This session is based on playing out from the back against a high press. The session will be split into three practices. The practice will be unopposed and focuses on the technique of the pass and the style at which we will approach the proceeding opposed practices. The second practice is an opposed practice - the content of this practice looks at how we maximise the use of the extra player when in the build-up phase. The third practice will be a progression of the second practice - identifying how to break forward, breaking the first and second line of the opposition.

This theme excites me as a coach. Most of the teams that my team play against every week are fast, strong and aggressive in their approach to regain possession. This session encourages the bravery to play against an aggressive press, and is a reflection of the modern game. There is a calm, patient and methodical approach to the theme. The session is able to identify the types of passes that can support the build-up phase, allowing the team in possession to break out beyond the press by playing through the opposition.

The practices within this session can be run at different points in the week. They can all be adapted to suit the demands that the opposing team can place on us as a team. This type of session is ideal for MD-2 as it has tactical focus and a more position-specific approach.

“This session encourages bravery to play against an aggressive press”

UNOPPOSED PRACTICE

The first activity to encourage passing out from the back is an unopposed technical drill. We mix it up with passing variations in combinations, changing the style of pass (e.g. bounce, around the corner).

[1]

1. The unopposed technical drill encourages passing out from 

2. Players pass in various combinations
3. Players changing the style of pass depending on the combination

“Mix it up with passing variations in combinations”

The second activity is about passing out from the back when under pressure. We are looking at the position of the centre backs, the movement of the central midfielders, and the passing lanes with support underneath.

The practice will have a progression that allows a defensive player to jump on the neutral players.

[2]

1. The red team play the ball out from the goalkeeper when under pressure from the blues

2. The centre backs position themselves to offer an option
3. The central midfielders move to offer a pass out
4. The red team work it across the back and up the pitch

“Look at the position of the centre backs”

THEMED GAME

This focuses on passing out from the back under pressure. Again, we’re looking for support for the forward pass, and now we’re adding fast attacks and of course goals.

There is no progression in this practice but I will be encouraging the players to create passing lanes and supporting runs underneath - with movements beyond from the opposite winger.

The goalkeeper and the defenders will need to be comfortable when playing out from the back. I would like to see the types of angles that they make in order to maximise the space that they are confined to play in. Their aim is to connect with the midfield players while also finding the right moments to step above the press of the opposition.

Midfield players will be required to identify the right times of when to stay away and when to drop deep. It is important that they are in the correct body position to receive the ball. This will allow them to play off one touch when playing the bounce pass or passes around the corner.

Once the first and second pressing lines have been broken, the attacking players need to break quickly so that we can capitalise on the attacking opportunities.

The defending players might be uncomfortable under pressure. The midfield players will be closely marked so they find it difficult to create space. These factors will affect their decision-making and the quality of their passing. If this happens, support the players by coaching the intricate details that can help to alleviate some of those challenges.

[3]

1. The red team play the ball out from the goalkeeper

2. The goalkeeper plays the ball to a centre back who plays it on to a central midfielder who has dropped to support
3. The reds work a goalscoring chance from the wide channel