4-3-3 build from the back SSG 1

Posted2025-03-26

Updated2025-04-15

By205 Academy

VIdeo

Description

The activity is played in a half-field with two zones – a defending zone of about 25 yards and a middle zone of the remaining distance. A line of cones or dots separates the zones. The team in possession (in Red) intends to build out of the back and play into one of three target mini-goals representing forwards in a 4-3-3 formation. For the opposition team (in Blue), two players begin the activity outside of the field, 3 players are in the middle zone, and 2 players are in their attacking (the opponent’s defending) zone. In summary, play begins 6v2 in the defending zone (including the goalkeeper) and 2v3 in the middle zone, with 2 additional players outside the game.

On the first touch of the team in possession (Red), one opponent (Blue) may enter the zone, creating a potential 6v3.

Highlighted defender has entered attacking zone after first touch by opponent

The Red team does not have zone constraints once play begins. In other words, the Red team may push forward into the middle zone to combine and score into the mini-goals. If the Blue team gains possession, they will attempt to score on the large goal but are allowed a maximum of 3 passes. If the pass count restriction is exceeded or the ball goes out of play for either team (a made or missed shot on the mini-goal or a ball out of play over a touch line or end line), play restarts with a goal kick with the zone restrictions described above.

Highlighted attacking player has entered middle zone

Scoring

There are several alternative methods for keeping score. The simplest is to award points for scoring in the mini-goals (for example, 1 point) or large goals (for example, 5 points). Other methods include awarding points for process goals (for example, scoring one bonus point if the mini-goal score did not include a loss of possession in the build-up).

Progressions/Adjustments

The progressions in this activity involve increasing the difficulty faced by the Red team.

Once the Red team has achieved some success and developed a set of patterns of play, a simple progression is to increase the number of opposition (Blue) players. These players could be placed in the middle zone, in Red’s defending zone, or both. Another progression is to allow more than one Blue player to enter Red’s defending zone on the first-pass trigger.

On trigger, defenders enter game to challenge team in possession

Limiting Red’s touch count (for example, a maximum of 3 touches), the number of passes allowed by Red in their defending zone (for example, 4), or the amount of time that Red has before they must score (for example, 10 seconds) are methods that can challenge the players to perform more efficiently and with greater urgency.

Altering the restart—reverting to the “normal” restart rules of soccer—will also pressure Red to manage the ball in order to retain possession rather than relying on every restart to begin with the ball. For example, if Red plays a ball over the touchline, the restart is a throw-in by Blue.

What we like about this activity

The activity provides opportunities to develop patterns of play in a basic build-out framework. As described initially, the Red team in possession starts with a numerical advantage. This advantage should provide the team with the opportunity to work on technique fundamentals (pass/receive quality, body shape, vision, communication) and tactical cues (when to play forward, when to swing the ball), as well as movements from the midfield to receive and support movements as the ball advances.

Using the activity with younger teams can develop a game model in which players find comfort on the ball close to their own goal rather than panicking. Too often in these age groups, players (and some coaches) will encourage players to boot the ball upfield with the ball in the defending third. Using a trigger rule to initiate pressure allows the possession team time and space to scan the environment and determine the best options to progress the ball forward.

Although intended as a possession and progression activity, the game also provides an opportunity to develop the countertopic of high pressure with the team out of possession (Blue).

Relationship to the game

The mini-goals represent three forwards in a 4-3-3, who are targets for the backs and midfielders. The scenario created by the activity mimics a basic build-out from the goalkeeper in possession, a common occurrence in the game.

Red lines indicate back 4, highlighted forwards replace mini-goals

Coaching points

The team in possession (Red)

Note the body shapes and position of the backs as play starts. The fullbacks (outside backs) should be positioned wide, have an open body shape, and be prepared to push the ball forward. As play continues, the midfielders should continually move into pockets of space to receive the ball from teammates close to the goal who are under pressure.

Ball is played to left center back – midfielder recognizes and moves into pocket of space to receive

When the ball is played wide, the center backs should continue to move into supporting positions, typically at angles, to provide an option to bring the ball back and possibly swing it to the opposite side or play through the lines to the midfielders.

Ball played to right fullback – right center back moves into supporting position if teammate is pressured

The goalkeeper should actively participate in the activity, effectively acting as a third center-back in possession while in possession.

When receiving the ball in the midfield, the objective is to play through to the forwards (mini-goals) as early as possible, ideally breaking lines for the opponents. Quick combinations, scanning prior to receiving, and making positive touches can make this objective simpler.

2-pass combination to progress forward – Blue line represents line of defenders

If it is not possible to go forward, midfielders should utilize the backs to recycle and potentially change the point of attack. Note that for this strategy to be successful, the pass must be accurate and the receiver (back) must play with purpose and pace.

Path forward to goal blocked by defender, pass back to teammate who can switch point of attack

The team out of possession (Blue)

In this scenario, Blue’s objective is to delay the progression of the ball, force play back toward the goal, and (if possible) win possession. Initially outnumbered, Blue should work hard to anticipate moments to press Red based on longer passes, poor first touches, or balls played behind the receiver.

When gaining possession, encourage quick attacks on the goal to exploit the opponent’s disorganization and potential gaps.

Both teams

The fundamentals of the game—scanning, communication, off-ball movement, first touch with purpose, and quality passing and receiving technique—are the foundations of success in this activity.

Adjust for numbers

The activity includes 15 players – 14 field players and the goalkeeper. Initially, 2 of the defenders are off the field but enter based on triggers.

With fewer players, the 2 defenders could be removed, leaving the activity with 13 players—8v5.

If no goalkeeper is available, the game can proceed with an open goal, but restrictions on the team are out of possession (Blue). For example, for a goal to count, it must be scored by hitting the back of the net directly.

An additional attacking player could be removed – with 6 field players organized as 4 backs and 2 midfielders. In this case, narrowing the middle third of the field might make sense to provide a game-like challenge.

With more players, the target mini-goals can be removed, and active players can take the roles of the forwards. Increasing the game to a 2/3 field length, additional players, and an opponent goalkeeper provide a more realistic version of the activity.

Summary

This conditioned small-sided game provides attacking and defending teams opportunities to develop tactics and skills in a game-like environment. Restrictions on initial positioning and movement of the out-of-possession team (Blue) allow the building-out team (Red) space and time to organize and progress the ball. The movements and positioning of the Red team in response to the ball and opponents should be based on principles of possession and progression of the ball into attacking spaces higher up the field. The topic of counter-pressing and transition can be developed with the Blue team as their numbers and shape closely match what will occur in their attacking third when out of possession.