Age Group: All Ages
Sport: Soccer

Introduction

Building out from the back is a phase of play in the attacking moment, where a team looks to start its attack from deep in their own half — typically involving the goalkeeper, center backs, and defensive midfielders. Rather than clearing the ball under pressure, teams aim to maintain control, provoke the opposition, and progress with structure and purpose.

This principle is foundational in possession-based game models and is central to modern tactical systems like positional play.

Objectives of Building Out from the Back

  • Maintain possession under pressure
  • Attract the press to open space elsewhere
  • Progress play through short, purposeful passing
  • Create overloads in the first and second thirds
  • Maintain structure for protection in case of loss

Key Roles and Positioning

Goalkeeper (GK):

  • Often acts as a +1 (numerical advantage)
  • Must be comfortable receiving and distributing under pressure

Center Backs (CBs):

  • Split wide to create space
  • Must recognize pressing triggers and passing lanes

Pivot / Defensive Midfielder (CDM):

  • Drops into space between or beside CBs (“La Volpe Exit”)
  • Connects defense to midfield

Fullbacks:

  • Provide width or invert to form a midfield line
  • Can drop deeper if pressed

Advanced Midfielders (8/10):

  • Find pockets between the opponent’s lines
  • Support the pivot and offer passing angles

Wingers / Forwards:

  • Stretch the field vertically and horizontally
  • Stay connected for progression options

Common Structures

  • 2-3 Build: 2 CBs + pivot drop to form a line of 3, fullbacks push up
  • 3-2 Build: Fullback or pivot drops to join 2 CBs, midfield triangle ahead
  • GK + 2 CBs + Pivot triangle with outlets wide and central
  • Back 3 Rotation: One CB pushes into midfield to create an extra number

Key Sub-Principles Involved

  • Create numerical superiority in the first line
  • Use the goalkeeper as an active player
  • Play through, around, or over the press
  • Identify and use the “free man” in buildup
  • Recognize and exploit pressing triggers
  • Encourage third-man combinations
  • Use wide areas or half-spaces to progress

Coaching Points

  • Encourage calm, composed decisions — not rushed clearances
  • Teach players to scan before receiving
  • Reinforce supporting angles and distances
  • Always have depth and width available
  • If space opens behind pressing line, be ready to go vertical
  • Set clear rules: when to play short, when to break lines, when to go long

Progressions and Constraints for Training

  • Start unopposed to build structure and habits
  • Add pressing defenders to replicate match pressure
  • Condition touches, time, or zones to challenge decision-making
  • Vary starting positions (goal kicks, restarts, in-play transitions)

Sample Training Focus

  • 3v2 GK + CBs vs Pressing Forwards
  • 5v4 Buildup in Half Field
  • Conditioned Game: Must build short from goal kicks
  • Wave Activity: Buildup → Midfield Progression → Final Third Play

Why It Matters

Building out from the back isn’t about being fancy — it’s about controlling the game from the first pass. It instills confidence, helps manage tempo, and trains players to make decisions under real pressure. Done right, it leads to clean transitions, structured attacks, and tactical maturity across all age groups.