Building Out From Goal Kick

PLAYERS:

+12

TIME:

20-30 min.

FOCUS:

Possession

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

6/10

SETUP

Set up three small goals a few meters from the middle of the field, spread evenly across the width of the pitch – one in each wide channel and one centrally.
Form a defensive backline with 3 or 4 players in front of the goalkeeper, with a couple of midfielders behind them for support.
Put out 4-5 attacking players to put pressure on during the goal kicks.
Adjust the number of players and the size of the area depending on your team’s tactical vision, and on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This Building Out From Goal Kick Drill is all about improving your team’s ability to start an attack and a possession game right from goal kicks. It gives you the chance to try out different strategies when facing pressure from the opposing team. In today’s football, being smart about playing out from goal kicks is essential, and if your team gets it right, it can be a game-changer against tough opponents.

This drill particularly focuses on:

Playing Through Pressure: The building team learns to find and use the free player against an organised press instead of going long by default.
Phase 1 to Phase 2: Practicing the transition from the first phase of the possession game into the second phase is a key focus here.
Collective Pressing: The attacking players practice high-pressure situations against opponents and learn how to press together as a team.
Decision Making Under Pressure: Defenders, midfielders and the goalkeeper all have to read the press and pick the right option quickly.

HOW IT WORKS

The ball begins with the goalkeeper (or one of the defenders) making a pass like a goal kick. The players then need to pass through the pressure from the attacking players and aim to get the ball into one of the three small goals up the pitch. If the attacking team wins the ball, their goal is to score on the defenders and goalkeeper.

The small goals represent the successful play through the pressure, marking the transition to the attacking phase and the next phase of the game. This is the core objective of the drill.

Experiment with different methods and strategies to pass through the pressure. Below, we’ve provided two examples for inspiration on how to build up against the press with a backline of 4 or a backline of 3 defenders.

1. Example

Backline of 4 players: The players aim to pass through the pressure, utilizing the full-backs’ runs along the wide lines. The midfielders move around the pitch to open up space for the full-backs to receive and drive forward towards the outer goals.

2. Example

Backline of 3 players: The focus here is on one of the defenders making a run up the pitch, either with or without the ball, aiming to create unexpected space against the pressing team.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
Watch the body shape of the receiving players — they should open up to see as much of the pitch as possible before the ball arrives.
Remind the pressing team to work as a unit, closing passing lanes together rather than chasing the ball individually.
Rotate players every few minutes so everyone experiences both building out and pressing.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.