Athens Building into Midfield

Instructions/Setup:

The drill begins with a 4v2 rondo inside a rectangular grid. The goalkeeper is positioned along the bottom line of the grid to simulate their involvement in the build-up phase from the back. The 4 outfield players work the ball around the 2 pressing defenders with a focus on maintaining possession and playing quickly under pressure.

After completing a set number of passes (e.g., 4-6 passes), the team in possession must attempt a line-breaking forward pass into one of the mini goals positioned at angles ahead of the grid. These angled mini goals simulate central midfielders receiving the ball between the lines.

The focus is on clean ball circulation, timing of the penetrating pass, and recognizing the right moment to break pressure.

Coaching Notes:

• Goalkeeper Involvement: Encourage the goalkeeper to play short, sharp passes and support as a constant outlet to switch the angle of attack.

• Body Position: Players should receive on the half-turn to stay open to forward options and allow quicker progression when the moment comes.

• Line-Breaking Decision-Making: Emphasize scanning and recognizing the moment to split defenders with a sharp pass into the angled mini goals.

• Tempo of Possession: Maintain a quick rhythm in the rondo to unbalance the defenders and draw them out of shape before executing the killer pass.

• Disguise & Weight of Pass: Reinforce the use of disguised passes and the proper weight to ensure the receiving ‘midfielder’ can take clean control.

Progression 1: Defensive Transition to Goal:

If the 2 defenders win possession during the rondo, they are allowed to break out and attempt to score in the main goal within a limited number of seconds (e.g., 5–7 seconds). The possession team must immediately transition to defend.

Focus: Adds urgency and realism to the drill by rewarding defensive pressure and promoting quick transition reactions from both teams.