7v7 Build-Up Game with a Target Zone
Goalkeeper plus six against six on a 60 × 40 m pitch. The build-up team earns a point when a midfielder receives facing forward in the middle zone, then attacks the goal.
- Age
- U13–Senior
- Players
- 14–16
- Duration
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 60 × 40 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Match
- Objectives
- Tactical: Build-up play, Ball possession, Decision making
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Directional first touch
- Tactical:Build-upWidthMovement to receivePressing
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Playing out from the back needs a purpose: the aim is not to keep the ball near your own goal, but to find a midfielder who can turn and play forward. This game rewards exactly that moment. The defending team presses freely, so the build-up team has to use the goalkeeper, create width with the defenders and move the midfielders to open passing lanes.
Objective
Build up from the goalkeeper through the defenders to a midfielder who receives facing forward, then attack the goal.
Organisation
- 60 × 40 m pitch divided into thirds (20 m each); the middle third is the target zone.
- Two teams of goalkeeper plus six (3-2-1 shape) — larger squads rotate.
- The coach starts each phase from one goalkeeper.
How it works
- Every attack starts with the goalkeeper; the opponents must start in the middle third.
- The build-up team scores 1 point when a player receives in the target zone and turns or plays forward.
- They can then attack the goal: a goal is worth 2 more points.
- If the defending team wins the ball, they attack immediately.
- 3 × 7 minutes, then swap which team starts in possession.
Coaching points
- Defenders: split wide and deep to give the goalkeeper options.
- Midfielders: move into the gaps between the pressers, showing on the half-turn.
- Play forward when the line is open; if not, circulate and change the side.
- Receive on the back foot in the target zone so you can play forward with the second touch.
- Forward: pin the defenders to create space for the midfielders.
Progressions
- The point only counts if the target-zone player receives with one of the defenders passing (not the goalkeeper).
- Pressing team adds a player (7v6 pressure).
Regressions
- Pressing team may not enter the defensive third until the first pass.
- Add a neutral in the target zone.
Variations
- 9v9 on a larger pitch with a back four.
Key principles
- Width and depth in build-up.
- Find the free player between lines.
- Build up to attack, not just to keep the ball.
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