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Playing out from the back: basic movements for goalkeeper, centre-backs and pivot

Linkalde exercise

Player
Goalkeeper
Cone
Ball
Pass
Off-ball movement
Dribbling
Shot/finishing
Mannequin

How it works

Who starts
The goalkeeper, with the ball.
Who takes part
The whole team set up (goalkeeper, centre-backs, pivot, full-backs, inside midfielders, wingers and strikers) against mannequins.
What the ball does
It goes from the goalkeeper to the centre-back, from the centre-back to the pivot, and back again if there is no way out; each pass with its supporting movement.
How to score
No scoring: it is an automation exercise.
When it ends
When the ball reaches the inside midfielder or the full-back already with an advantage, or after 6-8 passes.
How it restarts
Always with the ball at the goalkeeper, changing the centre-back he plays to.
How players rotate
No rotation of positions: everyone repeats their own position.
Position-specificAttack: progressAttack: keep possessionCombination playPositional attackBuild-upSupport playPositional playPassingControl

Number of players

12-12 players

Format

GK+11 unopposed

Recommended

2 × 12 min

Rest 60s · Low intensity

Space

Half pitch

Goalkeepers

1

Fitness
5%
Technique
40%
Tactics
55%

Goal

Automate the build-up movements so there are always two safe passing options.

Description

The team sets up to play out from the back against mannequins standing in for opponents. The ball circulates between the goalkeeper, the two very wide centre-backs and the pivot (6), who shows between them. Every time the ball changes hands, the others make the movement that fits so there are always two passing options. It automates the first passes of build-up so the team plays out safely.

Step by step

  1. 1

    The goalkeeper plays to centre-back 4, who is very wide.

  2. 2

    With the ball at the centre-back, the active side moves; the 6 is already set between mannequins on the ball side.

    1. 2.1 Full-back 3 pushes up to stretch.
    2. 2.2 Centre-back 5 tucks in in case of a retreat.
  3. 3

    The centre-back plays to the pivot.

  4. 4

    With the ball at the 6, the supports are corrected.

    1. 4.1 Centre-back 4 goes wide again.
    2. 4.2 Centre-back 5 widens into his place.
    3. 4.3 Inside midfielder 8 drops to show.

Rules

No real opposition: the mannequins mark where the opponent would be. The ball circulates between goalkeeper, centre-backs and pivot. Each pass comes with its supporting movement. The coach changes the side of the build-up every 4-5 repetitions.

Equipment

  • 5 mannequins
  • 1 full-size goal
  • Balls next to the goalkeeper

Recommended times by goal

  • Tactical: 2 × 12' · rest 1' · Low intensityOrientativo: ritmo bajo para fijar los movimientos

Rotation and restart

No rotation of positions: everyone repeats their own position. Always restart with the ball at the goalkeeper, alternating the centre-back he plays to.

Coaching points

  • Centre-backs wide, level with the box, so the goalkeeper has two passes.
  • The pivot never on the same line as the centre-backs: always ahead of them and between them.
  • Every pass comes with its movement: whoever passes shows again.
  • Open body when receiving: look towards the opposition half.

Common mistakes

  • The centre-backs stay together inside the box.

    How to correct: Spread out to the sides of the box: that way the goalkeeper's pass is safe.

  • The pivot hides behind a mannequin.

    How to correct: Move into the clean passing lane between mannequins.

  • Everyone watches the ball and nobody moves.

    How to correct: Each pass triggers a movement: practise it slowly until it comes naturally.

Questions for the players

  • “If the centre-back has the ball, where does the 6 stand?”
  • “Which centre-back tucks in when the other has the ball?”
  • “When the 6 receives, who drops to help?”

Levels

  • A · easyOnly goalkeeper, centre-backs and pivot, without mannequins.
  • B · standardAs described: with mannequins and the whole team set up.
  • C · advancedTwo real players press in place of the front mannequins.

If you have fewer or more players

  • With 6 fewer: Only goalkeeper, two centre-backs, pivot and two full-backs. (GK+5)
  • With 4 more: Four real players press in place of the mannequins, walking only. (GK+11v4)
  • With odd numbers: The extra player acts as a presser who can only cover passing lanes.

Age

U12U14U16U19Senior

Variations

  • With a real presser. A real player replaces the mannequin in the middle and covers the pass to the 6.
  • Build-up the other side. The goalkeeper alternates the centre-back so both sides learn the movement.
  • Two touches. All passes at two touches at most.

Source: EJERCICIOS SALIDA DE BALON (PDF, terceros)