How to build up with 2 deep full- backs – Positional Game

The Build up concept

Build up from the back is usually a characteristic of teams who wish to have control of the game through ball possession. Roberto De Zerbi, one of the most fascinating coaches now in Europe, is heavily using deep full-backs as a way to attract pressure, and progress forward through the thirds.

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Example of deep full-backs

Using Positional and Possession Games

Using positional games in training is a great way to pass important messages on where are the free spaces, who are the free players, apply the Third Man concept, using short passes and some individual fundamentals such as support, body profile, receive with the back foot, etc.

Check this article or understand what is a Positional Game and what are the differences between a possession game “Possession Games and Positional Games – The 2 unique types of drills

Read also the article “The position of modern full backs in football” to understand the different positions of the full-backs in modern soccer and the difference in their tactical behavior.

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PEP GUARDIOLA ATTACKING TACTICS – TACTICAL ANALYSIS AND SESSIONS FROM MANCHESTER CITY’S 4-3-3

Attacking Tactics from Manchester City’s 4-3-3

  • Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards
  • Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs
  • Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas
  • Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked
  • Moving the Ball Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back (or Create Space for Inside Pass)
  • Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked
  • Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play
  • Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines
  • Exploiting Space Created when the Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball
  • Attacking Through the Centre with the Forward Dropping Back to Receive
  • Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked Against the 4-3-3
  • Attacking Against a Back 5

Positional Role of Full-Backs

Importance of Deep Full-Backs

In-Possession Responsibilities:

Description

Positional Game for a build-up using deep full-backs

Rules

Fullback pushing in the next zone only in a positional
Full backs playing in the same zone where the ball is

Coaching Points

See below the Positional Game in animation from the FootballCoach365 Youtube channel