Dribble using the leg furthest away from the defender and try to use the outside of the foot Try to take the defender into areas that are more attacking to take the initiative Use feints and skills to create space and give time on the ball Finish on goal as soon as possible Movement is key to keeping the defender at bay Be ready for quick transition if the ball is lost

Always know where the ball is and player they are marking Position the body sideways so reaction speed is faster Be on balls of feet so reaction also quicker Use defensive feints to trouble the attacker and cause mistakes When attacker is close eyes on ball not on player Don't jump in and make it easier for the attacker If beaten by the attacker's skill sprint to the goal to defend it The defence must keep their lines tight and narrow so as not to get beaten. It is very important that defenders win the second ball after an attacking player shoots on goal. Be ready for quick transition if the ball is won

Soccer drill to Pass and move to break down opponents

Multi-Phase Build-Up, Break-Down & Transition Game with Link Players

Difficulty

Written by Dave Clarke

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A multi-phase positional game developing build-up play, breaking low blocks, and transitioning under pressure using link players across split zones.

Coaching Objectives

This drill develops players’ understanding of structured build-up play, intelligent use of link players between zones, breaking down compact defensive blocks, and reacting quickly during defensive-to-attacking transitions. Players learn to recognise triggers, create passing lanes, exploit overloads, and manage different phases of play—mirroring real match scenarios.

Drill Setup

25 Mins
15 Players
2 main Goals
2 sets Bibs
60 x 40 y

What the Players Do

Initial Setup: Three Black players positioned centrally: two in the attacking half, one in the defensive half. The Black player closest to the goal acts as a temporary defender during…

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Notifcations

SPECIAL

Multi-Phase Build-Up, Break-Down & Transition Game with Link Players

Coaching Objectives

Drill Setup

What the Players Do

Try Unlimited Access

Only 1.99 pm!

Improve Your Game

SPECIAL

Multi-Phase Build-Up, Break-Down & Transition Game with Link Players

Share it

Coaching Objectives

Drill Setup

What the Players Do

Try Unlimited Access

Only 1.99 pm!