Back-to-Front Build

Objective

• -Build play from deep
• -Use safe passing angles
• -Find a forward option

Setup

1. 1Mark a deep zone, middle zone and forward zone with cones.
2. 2Put two players in the deep zone, two in the middle and one or two at the top.
3. 3Place a mini goal or target area at the far end.

How to play

1. 1Play starts with the deep players and must go through the middle before scoring.
2. 2The ball carrier can only move forward after finding a pass.
3. 3Defenders can be added in the middle zone if the group is ready.
4. 4Rotate the players through each zone regularly.
5. 5Keep the pattern simple and realistic.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Rushing long passes from the back
• -Flat support shape
• -Forcing play when the middle is blocked