Build-up 4v3 to a Target Player
Two centre-backs and two full-backs build up against three pressing players and score by finding a target player in the end zone. No goals needed.
- Age
- U11–Senior
- Players
- 8–11
- Duration
- 16 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 35 × 30 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Positional game
- Objectives
- Tactical: Build-up play, Switching play, Ball possession
- Concepts worked on
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Neutral / support
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
A build-up game for the back line that only needs cones. Four defenders in their match positions must move the ball from one side to the other until a forward pass into the target player is on. With four against three there is always a free player, but only if the full-backs give width and the centre-backs split.
Objective
Build up with a back four against a press of three, switching the ball to the free side and playing forward into the target player.
Organisation
- 35 × 30 m area with a 5 m target zone at the far end.
- Four attackers in back-four positions (two centre-backs, two full-backs) against three defenders in bibs. A neutral target player stands in the target zone.
- With 9–11 players, extra players rotate in as defenders or as a second target player. With 7, the coach plays as the target.
How it works
- Each action starts with a pass from the coach to one of the centre-backs.
- The attackers score a point when the target player receives a pass in the target zone.
- Two points if the target player lays the ball off to an attacker who has moved up past the middle of the area.
- The defenders score by winning the ball and dribbling over the attackers' end line.
- The target player cannot leave the zone. 4 series of 3 minutes; change the defenders after each series.
Coaching points
- Full-backs: start wide and high. If you stand close to the centre-backs, one presser can mark two players.
- Centre-backs: split to the edges of the area when the ball is with the coach.
- If one side is closed, switch the ball through the other centre-back quickly, before the press shifts.
- Receive side-on, looking at the target player: play forward when the lane opens.
- Move the ball with one or two touches: every extra touch gives the defenders time.
Progressions
- Add a fourth defender (4v4) with a goalkeeper playing behind the back line.
- The centre-backs can only take two touches.
- The target player is marked by a defender inside the zone.
Regressions
- Play 4v2.
- The target player may move along the whole zone line to offer angles.
- Defenders may only intercept, not tackle.
Variations
- Add a midfielder (5v3) who can play anywhere and must receive between the lines.
Key principles
- Width from the full-backs.
- Switch the side of the ball when one side is closed.
- Play forward when it is on.
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