How to Create a back 3 in the build-up

This is a training session with a tactical objective to train the attacking organization phase, the build-up. The intention is to train the players to create a back 3 to help the smooth progression of the ball forward. The training session due to the big spaces can be used for the first two weeks of the pre-season period and for an Endurance day of a normal competition period.

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Part 1: Warm Up – Passing drill – Midfielder’s rotation

Organization:

A passing drill to train at the same time Endurance (physical component) and IBS of Passing – receiving and rebalancing spaces. 2 – 4 balls simultaneously. The ball starts from opposite corners. A pass is done to the defensive midfielder who passes to the GK and moves to position #2. At the same time there is a rotation in the middle (1->2->3->1). The GK pass to the other side and a wall pass is played with the dropping back midfielder. The red wide player drills 1 – 2 meters, passes to the other corner and runs.

Coaching points:

• Oriented first control
• Timing of the rotations
• Body profile
• Weight of the pass
• Pass to the teammate’s proper foot

Check here the drill with animation – FootballPassing drill for pre-season for a Positional Play team

Part 2: Possession Game – Circulate the ball to move the opponents and create a back 3

Organization:

A directional possession Game 10 v 10. The aim of the team in possession is to move the ball from their initial zone to the end zone by passing the ball from one of the three small gates to a teammate or dribbling through the gate to get a point. In the first zone the team in possession if they are pressed with two forwards they should try to create a back 3.

Rules:

• The defending team should recover the ball, complete 3 passes, and start the game from the initial zone.
• The players are located in their zones
• The attacking team can move one player at any time in a lower or upper zone
• A goal by dribbling through the zones counts for 2

Coaching points

• Timing for the pivot player to drop back to create a back three
• Timing to jump forward with the ball and drive
• Support movements from the players near the ball

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Part 3: Small-Sided Game – Create an overload in the defensive line

Organization:

A Small-Sided Game 11 v 11 + GKs. The 1^st pass after the restart of the game must be done inside the defensive 1/3. The outside neutrals can use only 1 touchback pass.

In the first zone the team in possession if they are pressed with two forwards they should try to create a back 3.

Rules:

• The defending team can push in the opponent’s defending 1/3 maximum 2 players
• The GK when the ball goes out can pass only to players inside the blue zone from the
• At the restart from the GK the defenders must be outside the initial zone and allow the 1^st pass and touch by the attacker
• The attacking team can score also when dribbling through the small gates in their 1^st zone.

Coaching points

• Timing for the pivot player to drop back to create a back three
• Timing to jump forward with the ball and drive
• Support movements from the players near the ball

Check out the article “Positional Play – Juego de Pocision” to find out more about Salida LaVolpiana and creating back 3 when build up from the back.

In this part, I would like to mention that much of my coaching knowledge is obtained from watching webinars, interviews, and many recorded drills on one of the best platforms I know, the Coaches Voice Academy. Check it out!!!

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For more theoretical and practical information on Positional Play you must read the below books:

Positional Play in Modern Football

Positional Play in Modern Football: How to Use Guardiola’s Attractive Way

The content is influenced by Guardiola’s philosophy and training methods but also by other supporters of Positional Play.

• Coaches Football Quotes on the Positional Play Concept
• What is Positional Play?
• What is the Guardiola Positional Grid?
• General Principles
• Continuous Spatial Distribution
• Spatial Awareness
• Ball Circulation
• Generating Superiorities
• The Free Man
• The Half Spaces
• Exercises to train the Positional Play

Learn More

PEP GUARDIOLA – 88 ATTACKING COMBINATIONS AND POSITIONAL PATTERNS OF PLAY DIRECT FROM PEP’S TRAINING SESSIONS