Shadow Play: Build-Up Patterns
The team plays through its build-up patterns without opponents, from the goalkeeper to a finish, while the coach calls where the imaginary pressure comes from.
- Age
- U15–Senior
- Players
- 8–16
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Low
- Area
- 60 × 50 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Analytical
- Format
- Circuit
- Objectives
- Tactical: Build-up play, Switching play, Defensive organisation
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Shadow play lets the whole team rehearse positions and distances at low intensity. Every pass is made with the team moving as a unit: when the ball goes wide, the shape shifts; when the coach calls 'press left', the team switches to the right. It is ideal the day before a match.
Objective
Rehearse the team's build-up positions and movements as a unit without opposition.
Organisation
- Half or two-thirds of a pitch with a goal and goalkeeper.
- The team in its match formation (e.g. 1-4-3-3).
How it works
- The goalkeeper starts; the team plays through the pitch and finishes within 8–10 passes.
- The coach calls the side of the imaginary pressure; the team must play away from it.
- After each finish, everyone jogs back into shape. 10–12 repetitions.
Coaching points
- Every player adjusts position with every pass: width, depth and distances.
- Receive half-turned on the side away from the 'pressure'.
- Pass at match speed, even without opponents.
Progressions
- Add three passive defenders.
- Limit to one touch in midfield.
Regressions
- Walk the patterns first with the coach stopping each pass.
Variations
- Rehearse defensive shape: the coach moves the ball by hand and the team shifts.
Key principles
- Move as a unit with the ball.
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