Continuous Build-Up Shape

Objective

• -Build from the keeper through the thirds
• -Create angles that beat the first line of press
• -Recognise when to go long instead

Setup

1. 1A defensive third with a goal, a back line and midfield support in a 46 x 38 yards area.
2. 2Load a ball at each starting station so the next rep can begin immediately.
3. 3Balls in the goal, two sets of bibs, target gates on halfway.

How to play

1. 1The keeper starts every rep and the back line splits wide.
2. 2The team plays through the press and dribbles through a halfway gate to score.
3. 3If the press wins it, they attack the goal immediately.
4. 4As soon as one sequence ends, the next server plays in without waiting.
5. 5Run 4-minute blocks and count total completed sequences as a squad score.

Progressions

• +Add a second ball into the rotation
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Pause 15 seconds between reps to reset positions
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Split into two competing halves and compare block totals
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Playing out for the sake of it
• -Full backs too narrow and deep
• -Long queues while balls are collected