FREE Build-Up Session Plan: Play Through Pressure & Break Lines
This full build-up session is designed around one key question: how can center backs become more influential when their team has possession? Rather than simply circulating the ball across the back line, the session challenges defenders to recognize the right moments to step forward, break lines and create numerical superiority in more advanced areas. The emphasis throughout is on timing, movement and connecting effectively with players ahead of the ball.
The session progresses through three practices, beginning with a 5v3 game where center backs can join the attack, before developing into a 3v2-to-6v5 exercise that uses an initial overload to create opportunities for a defender to drive into midfield. It finishes with a conditioned pitch shape but an otherwise unrestricted 10v10 game, encouraging center backs to recognize whether to break lines with a forward pass or carry the ball forward to commit an opponent. It is a progressive session that takes a specific build-up principle and gradually moves it towards the decisions and pictures players will experience in the game.
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Download the Full Session Plan
Want to take this session straight onto the field? Download the complete MSC session plan for FREE, including all three practices, diagrams, organization and coaching objectives.
