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Developing Play from the Back

Distribution from the Keeper and Playing Out from the Back

We develop play from the back. Work on that initially practicing all ways to get out.

Have opponents only intercepting passes to begin. Then let it go free.

When opponents win it back we work on the defending team condensing and defending correctly.

So certain plays are recognized consciously first of all with particular CUES offering identification of these.

If one or two ways to develop play are done very frequently then it becomes a subconscious decision to move in to position so no decision making required as such.

Distribution from the keeper and Playing from the back

Perhaps use cones instead of actual players to practice to make it work initially and to gain confidence (better still use Mannequins).


Our starting position, the team is in defensive shape and ready to attack. A 6 v 3 makes it easy to get out, but decrease the number of opponents if necessary to gain success initially.


1. Distribution from the keeper using one attacking fullback

We attack down one side and we slide across with the other three of the back four to cover the spaces behind


2. Distribution through Both center backs or (6)

A simple starting position on distribution from the back using only those players in the immediate vicinity. A 3 v 2 at the back in our favor.


3. Distribution through Number (6) in a wide area

Now (6) breaks wide to receive the ball and escape being marked in the middle. The same can happen with (6) breaking out to the right also replacing (5) who stays central.


4. Distribution from the keeper: One centre back breaks wide

(3) stays, (6) doesnt drop in, (4) stays central, (5) goes wide, (2) pushes on and we get out down one side. Opponents (9) and (10) stop our (4) and (3), (5) gets free to play out.


5. Distribution from the keeper thru wingbacks

They push 3 up we get out through our wingbacks. Have opponents make different choices to force the keeper to make relevant decisions in training.


Distribution from the keeper through Both wing backs

We can start to add players and build the session up. Here we close off one side so the keeper has to recognize he cant go to (3) but can go to (2).


6. Distribution from the keeper thru INVERTED wingbacks By Ally Bain

Wing fullbacks 2 and 3 cut inside to receive the ball.


7. Distribution from the keeper thru INVERTED wingbacks by Ally Bain

Wing fullbacks 2 and 3 cut inside to receive the ball and can receive the pass from (4) , (5) or (6) also in the buildup.


8. Distribution from the keeper thru central midfield rotation of (6) and (8)

(6) Clears the space and takes the opponents (8) with him and our (8) drops in free to start the attack. Can also be with (6) and (10).


9. Distribution through Both wing backs dropping back

Centre backs both push out quickly and they are tracked by the two strikers. This releases spaces behind them. Both wing backs drop back into those spaces to receive the ball.


10. Distribution through Center backs pushing out

Wing full backs drop back in. They are tracked by the two strikers. This releases spaces down the sides. Both wing backs drop back into those spaces to open it up for the center backs.


Distribution from the keeper and Playing from the back 11 v 11

Now in an 11 v 11. Our normal way to get out from the back. We should always try this initially if it is on to do so. Try to get out thru (4), (5) or (6).


Distribution from the keeper 11 v 11

Another way to get out thru one center back and one wingback and even (8).


Distribution from the keeper 11 v 11

Another way to get out thru one center back (5) and (7). Wingback (2) tucks inside and may take opponents 11 with them to clear the pass for (7). A nice area to play into circled also.


Distribution from the keeper 11 v 11

They go 3 v 3 against us to stop us playing out of the back so we try to get out through (2) and (3). Otherwise we have to push up, condense and kick it long.


This takes lots of practice with the keepers to make this pass happen consistently.

They go 3 v 3 against us so we try to get out through (2) and (3). Otherwise we have to push up, condense and kick it long. Thye “may” see what we are doing and push 7 and 11 onto our wingbacks (2) and (3).


They push two players onto our wingbacks (2) and (3)

This outlet is now stopped. So we have to change our team shape from “wide and long” to “short and tight” getting ready for the long kick from the keeper.


11. They have pushed onto our Wingbacks so this outlet is stopped; we have to go long as a last resort

This can still be EFFECTIVE: Now we condense as a team “short and tight”. Our (10) is good in the air so we hit him and we have a lot of players around him to win the 2nd ball. Of course opponents will readjust also. Its cat and mouse.


11. They have pushed onto our Wingbacks so this outlet is stopped; we have to go long as a last resort

This can still be EFFECTIVE: Now we condense as a team “short and tight”. Our (10) is good in the air so we hit him and we have a lot of players around him to win the 2nd ball. Of course opponents will readjust also. Its cat and mouse.


11. We leave their 3 strikers offside.

Players can gamble for the flick on from (10). Players position behind, in front and alongside (10) so wherever the 2nd ball goes we have players to pick it up. WE ABSOLUTELY MUST get better at this. Obviously opponents will position better than this defensively; but you get the point.