Build Up From the Back Drill

Diagram of a build up from the back drill with a goalkeeper and four defenders playing through five pressing players

This build up from the back drill helps adult amateur teams create passing options through the centre when the wide routes are blocked, improving movement, positioning, and decision-making under pressure.

Setup

Use one half of a full-size football pitch, with the full-size goal remaining in its normal position. Place two small goals on the halfway line, one on each side of the central playing area.

Use eight cones to mark the central area shown in the diagram. Split the ten players into a build-up team of one goalkeeper and five outfield players, and a pressing team of four players.

The build-up team uses two centre-backs and three midfielders who drop into the defensive half to provide passing options. The pressing team represents the front four of a 4-2-3-1 formation: one striker, two wingers and one attacking midfielder.

If your squad is large enough, the remaining players can run the same drill on the other half of the pitch.

Equipment Needed

Rules & Instructions

The build-up team works the ball forward under pressure while the pressing team tries to regain possession and attack.

  • Use a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and three midfielders.
  • Use a striker, two wingers and an attacking midfielder to press.
  • Start with the goalkeeper passing by foot to a centre-back.
  • Keep play inside the cone-marked central area.
  • Allow a maximum of three touches per player.
  • Keep the ball on the ground and do not play high crosses.
  • Score for the build-up team by passing into either small goal.
  • Attack the full-size goal after the pressing team wins the ball.
  • Restart from the goalkeeper whenever the ball goes out.
  • Restart from the goalkeeper after either team scores.
  • Remove the touch limit to use the unlimited-touch option.

The video below shows structured build-up play in a tight area.

Coaching Tips

  • Ask the goalkeeper to scan and choose the clearest centre-back.
  • Encourage the centre-backs to move early and receive side-on.
  • Keep the three midfielders in separate passing lanes.
  • Coach the first touch away from pressure for a quicker next pass.
  • Maintain diagonal support around the player in possession.
  • Ask the centre-backs to recognise safe central passes.
  • Keep the front four connected as they close passing lanes.
  • Demand an immediate reaction from both teams after turnovers.

Why It Works for Adult Amateur Teams

The drill recreates a common match situation in which the goalkeeper and centre-backs must start an attack while the opposition’s front four press high. When the wingers are blocked, the three midfielders drop into the defensive half and create alternative passing options through the centre.

The half-pitch setup and clear roles make the exercise practical for adult amateur teams. Coaches can identify poor body shape, static positioning, crowded passing lanes, rushed decisions, and uncoordinated pressing while both teams practise reacting to turnovers.

Key Outcomes:

  • More composed build-up from the goalkeeper
  • Better midfielder movement to receive
  • Cleaner passing and first touches under pressure
  • Stronger support in the defensive half
  • Faster reactions after turnovers

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