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Build-upRepresentativeTactics

Build-up progression with line choice

Decide between progressing on a low line (short and safe) or a mid line (more risk, more progression) based on real attacker pressure, instead of always following the same habitual preference.

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Load

minutes
12
Intensity
Medium
Sets and reps
3 × 1

Microcycle days it fits

MD-3

Each bar’s height is that day’s dive ceiling.

Setup

Goalkeepers
1
server
0
outfield player
5

Space: 32 × 22 m

Equipment: Balls, Bibs, Full goal

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

1 steps

Two centre-backs and a midfielder receive from the goalkeeper with two attackers shadowing the passing lanes. The goalkeeper reads the pressure and chooses between going short or risking the mid line to the midfielder.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • The line choice depends on the attackers’ actual position on that rep, not a fixed goalkeeper preference.
  • The mid line demands a firmer pass and a faster decision — hesitating midway makes it riskier than it already is.
  • If both lines look closed, delaying the decision beats forcing it — that’s always the safer option.
  • After deciding and executing, stay immediately available for a second option — build-up doesn’t end at the first pass.

Progressions

  1. Reduce the time available before pressure arrives.
  2. Increase to three attackers shadowing lanes.

Regressions

  1. Fix the requested line (low or mid) instead of leaving it open, simplifying the decision.
  2. Reduce to one shadowing attacker.

Sources · 2

  1. BookAndy Elleray, «65 Goalkeeper Training Exercises: Modern Games-Based Soccer Drills for Shot Stopping, Footwork, Distribution, and More»
  2. StudyAdvice from “pracademics” of how to apply ecological dynamics theory to practice design (2023)