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Playing out from the back

Playing out from the back (core) — U15-U16

Patient build-up with clear roles for GK and full-backs. Timed phases for a 75-minute U15-U16 session.

U15-U16 Whole–Part–Whole Advanced 65 mins 12–18 players Match intensity Build-up Possession
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Practice timer

65:00

Pitch layout
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

How to use this session

  1. Set the learning intention before players arrive.
  2. Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
  3. Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
  4. Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Arrival linked to Playing out from the back

8:00

Ball-each or light rondo that previews playing out from the back. Raise intensity gradually.

Organisation: Arrival grids as players arrive; continuous ball supply.

Coaching points
  • On toes, scan early.
  • Quality first touch under light pressure.
  • Compete with a smile.
Progressions
  • Add a second ball or time pressure.
Regressions
  • Bigger space, fewer touch limits.
Whole game · 18 mins

Conditioned game — Playing out from the back

18:00

Directional game with a clear condition that makes playing out from the back the easiest path to success.

Organisation: Pitch size matched to age; bibs and multi-ball restart.

Coaching points
  • Recognise when playing out from the back is on.
  • In possession: create and use space.
  • Out of possession: organise early, stay compact.
Progressions
  • Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.
Regressions
  • Add a neutral pivot / bounce player.
Part practice · 18 mins

Part practice — Playing out from the back

18:00

Isolated repetition of the key action for playing out from the back, then rebuild toward the game picture.

Organisation: Lanes or grids; 1–2 coaches / helpers feeding balls.

Coaching points
  • Detail the technique before adding speed.
  • Disguise intentions where possible.
  • Recover shape after each action.
Progressions
  • Live defender / timed finishing.
Regressions
  • Unopposed patterns first.
Game · 16 mins

Transfer game — Playing out from the back

16:00

Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from the theme.

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; keep balls ready.

Coaching points
  • Can we transfer tonight’s theme without the condition?
  • Communicate the next action early.
Progressions
  • Remove all conditions.
Regressions
  • Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.
Plenary · 5 mins

Plenary review

5:00

Players answer: What was the theme? When was it hardest? What will you try next match?

Organisation: Team huddle.

Coaching points
  • Player voice first.
  • Link to upcoming fixture if relevant.

Related drills

Through The Gate - 2nd runs

Through The Gate - 2nd runs Square with 2 teams - 2 teams inside playing “keep-ball” - Points from passing through gates Passes must be received on the outside by someone making a run – players cannot wait outside and most run to receive. Gates in 2 colours, on coaches call only 1 colour gate can be used. Communication Timing Scanning 2nd runs Progression: Player on outside must complete a pass back to team mate for the goal Progression 2: Teams players are numbered and players making runs must be in order 1,2,3,4,5 etc

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Through The Gate - 2nd runs

Through The Gate - 2nd runs Square with 2 teams - 2 teams inside playing “keep-ball” - Points from passing through gates Passes must be received on the outside by someone making a run – players cannot wait outside and most urn to receive. Gates in 2 colours, on coaches call only 1 colour gate can be used. Communication Timing Scanning 2nd runs Progression: Player on outside must complete a pass back to team mate for the goal Progression 2: Teams players are numbered and players making runs must be in order 1,2,3,4,5 etc

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Break the line u10s

Setup: Each team has 3 defenders, 1 attacker & a GK Defenders locked in a square (or 2) Attackers free to roam their channel (4 squares wide) Objective: Defenders play ball into attackers to score goal Challenges: Defenders keep ball across their 4 square channel until attacker shows an opportunity Attackers work hard to get ball from 3 defenders 1 and 2 touch Progression: Attackers must score quickly or pass back Progression 2: When defender plays ball into attacking channel they can join that channel and leave their square Progression 3: When defender plays a pass they must swap grid with another defender Break the line u10s

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7v5+gk initially DEF: GK & 3 CBs ATT: ST, 2xCM, 2x WB (2 teams)

Attackers: Score – win the bal back asap and don’t let defence get to half way or striker Scenario Defenders: Under pressure from attack Protect the middle and shift/left and right to protect the goal/box When the ball is won the goal is to play it out and “pass” it into one of the goals. Hold Middle Utilize Switch When ball is going into box, one attacks it one goes edge 7v5+gk initially DEF: GK & 3 CBs ATT: ST, 2xCM, 2x WB (2 teams)

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