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Build-upRepresentativeTactics

Playing out of pressure with reduced numerical advantage

Play the build-up when the numerical advantage is small or absent, demanding a fast, precise decision instead of time to think.

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Load

minutes
12
Intensity
Medium
Sets and reps
4 × 1

Microcycle days it fits

MD-4, MD-3

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

Setup

Goalkeepers
1
server
0
outfield player
5

Space: 26 × 24 m

Equipment: Balls, Bibs, Cones

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

2 steps

No goal: the aim is to keep possession and progress through the pressing lines. The goalkeeper takes part as another build-up player, with the number of opponents varying by the chosen constraint.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • At equal or reduced numbers, the direct pass to the first free opponent is worth more than the safety of the short pass.
  • Constant body availability — never with your back to the game — is what creates superiority even without an extra player.
  • Get involved early in the play, not as a last resort when there’s no way out left.
  • Accept losing the ball occasionally: the point of the exercise is the decision process, not perfect possession.

Progressions

  1. Move from an advantage to equal numbers.
  2. Reduce to a numerical disadvantage, the most demanding scenario.
  3. Add a real goal as a depth reference.

Regressions

  1. Keep a comfortable numerical advantage.
  2. Increase the available space.

Sources · 3

  1. Book«Scientific Approaches to Goalkeeping in Football», Bennion Kearny
  2. StudyAdvice from “pracademics” of how to apply ecological dynamics theory to practice design (2023)
  3. CurriculumRegulamento do Curso UEFA de Treinadores de Guarda-Redes «B», Federação Portuguesa de Futebol