.png)
Fortaleza Build & Counter Overloaded
ADDED TO FAVOURITES
Practice Breakdown:
Number of Players: 12 | Pitch size: 1/3 Pitch
This “Playing Out From the Back” practice is designed to develop build-up play under pressure, passing accuracy, and defensive transitions in counter-attacking scenarios.
The goalkeeper and five build-up players start from the back and attempt to progress the ball against three pressing players. Around 1/3 up the pitch, three additional players are positioned in a line: left, right, and centre. The build-up team’s objective is to successfully pass to any of these three players, maintaining possession under pressure.
Once the ball is played into one of these three players, they immediately counter-attack, joining the three pressing players. The original build-up team, including the goalkeeper, transitions to defend against the counter-attack, now facing six opponents. The drill continues with a rotation of roles to ensure all players experience building from the back and defending counter-attacks.
• Passing Accuracy: Encourage precise, well-weighted passes to the receiving players under pressure.
• Decision-Making: Coach build-up players to read the press, identify passing lanes, and choose the safest or most advantageous option.
• Support Angles: Emphasise movement off the ball to create passing options and support the player in possession.
• Defensive Transition: Ensure players quickly switch mindset when possession is lost, organising to defend against numerical disadvantages during counter-attacks.
• Goalkeeper Involvement: Reinforce the goalkeeper’s role in distribution, communication, and defending in counter-attacking situations.
Two-Touch Build-Up: Limit the build-up players to two touches before passing to one of the three line players.
Focus: Develops quicker ball control, sharper decision-making, and faster reactions under pressure.