Free practice Build Up & Playing Out · Finishing & Attacking
Chelsea Build Up & Transition
Watch this drill in the libraryPractice description
Aim
Improve build-up progression and immediate defensive transition against a short, intense counter-attack.
How it works
A goalkeeper and three outfield players build against two defenders. Progressing through a gate or losing the ball starts a counter phase, requiring an immediate change of role.
• The goalkeeper and three teammates keep possession in a 4v2.
• Work the ball forward and try to pass through either attacking gate.
• A successful pass through a gate immediately triggers the counter-attack.
• The counter also begins straight away if the two defenders regain before that progression.
• The original possession team recovers to defend the counter, which lasts for 10 seconds.
Improve build-up progression and immediate defensive transition against a short, intense counter-attack.
How it works
A goalkeeper and three outfield players build against two defenders. Progressing through a gate or losing the ball starts a counter phase, requiring an immediate change of role.
• The goalkeeper and three teammates keep possession in a 4v2.
• Work the ball forward and try to pass through either attacking gate.
• A successful pass through a gate immediately triggers the counter-attack.
• The counter also begins straight away if the two defenders regain before that progression.
• The original possession team recovers to defend the counter, which lasts for 10 seconds.
Coaching points
• Build-Up Focus – Encourage patience and composure in the build-up phase. The ball carrier should focus on finding the best passing options, using wide players, and opening passing lanes. Emphasize creating angles for support and maintaining possession under pressure.
• Quick Transitions – The moment the ball is passed through a gate, players must transition into defensive roles quickly. The defending team must close down space and pressure the ball carrier immediately, while the attacking team should reorganize into defensive shape.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure – Players must make quick decisions in the build-up and counter phases. Attackers should look for opportunities to exploit space, while defenders should recognize when to press and when to delay.
• Intensity of Counter Attack – The 10-second time limit for the counter phase encourages attackers to work quickly and defenders to recover efficiently. This adds realism and forces players to think and act rapidly during transitions.
• Quick Transitions – The moment the ball is passed through a gate, players must transition into defensive roles quickly. The defending team must close down space and pressure the ball carrier immediately, while the attacking team should reorganize into defensive shape.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure – Players must make quick decisions in the build-up and counter phases. Attackers should look for opportunities to exploit space, while defenders should recognize when to press and when to delay.
• Intensity of Counter Attack – The 10-second time limit for the counter phase encourages attackers to work quickly and defenders to recover efficiently. This adds realism and forces players to think and act rapidly during transitions.
Progression 1
Add More Defenders to the Build-Up Phase
Increase the defensive pressure in the build-up phase by adding one more defender (making it 4v3, including the goalkeeper). This will force the attacking team to be more precise and creative in their play.
Focus:
Improves decision-making in tight spaces and encourages the build-up team to maintain possession under increased pressure.
Increase the defensive pressure in the build-up phase by adding one more defender (making it 4v3, including the goalkeeper). This will force the attacking team to be more precise and creative in their play.
Focus:
Improves decision-making in tight spaces and encourages the build-up team to maintain possession under increased pressure.
Progression 2
Multiple Gates and Varying Timing
Introduce multiple gates in different areas of the field to progress the ball through, creating different options for the attacking team. Additionally, vary the timing of the counter-attack (e.g., let the defenders win possession but delay the counter for a few seconds) to increase unpredictability.
Focus:
Develops spatial awareness and adaptability, encouraging attackers to use various passing options and defenders to stay alert and adaptable during transitions.
Introduce multiple gates in different areas of the field to progress the ball through, creating different options for the attacking team. Additionally, vary the timing of the counter-attack (e.g., let the defenders win possession but delay the counter for a few seconds) to increase unpredictability.
Focus:
Develops spatial awareness and adaptability, encouraging attackers to use various passing options and defenders to stay alert and adaptable during transitions.
