Regardless of the formation we play, this is the playbook to build up from the back with the goal keeper (GK). The main driver of our decisions is where we want to have the numerical advantage.
Basic Rules
GK makes the decision to play a short, medium or long pass based on the opposition formation.
Three forwards pin the opposition defense to take them out of the build up play.
If the opposition uses three defenders against our three forwards we go with a long pass to the wingers to create a 1v1 on the flanks.
If the opposition uses four or more defenders against our forwards we build up from the goal keeper.
If we are having problems with our build up from the GK (we are not playing skillfully or the pressing team is too strong) we go with a long pass to keep the ball from being lost in our defensive third.
When building up, our defenders should always have one more player than their pressing forwards so we can have numerical advantage.
If opposition play with one forward, we build up with two defenders.
If opposition play with two forwards, we build up with three defenders.
If opposition play with three forwards, we build up with three or four defenders depending where we want the numerical advantage.
If opposition play with four forwards, we build up with five defenders.
Detailed Rules
Playbook Rule 1: The GK quickly makes the best choice in the specific game situation. Depending on the tactical organization of the opposition, the GK will choose a short, medium or long pass.
In addition, the GK can decide whether to play toward the flanks or toward the central zones of the pitch. There are 9 different zones for the GK when taking a goal kick.
Playbook Rule 2: If the opposition has an extra player in their back line (e.g. 4 of their defenders v 3 of our forwards) we “isolate” the opposition's defensive unit from their midfield and attacking players by using a short or medium goal kick.
If the opposition defense equals our forwards (e.g. 3 their defenders v 3 our forwards), use a long goal kick. The GK would aim for zone C1 or C2 and we would push our midfielders close to our three forwards.
When using a short goal kick, it is important to push our center backs toward the flanks, outside of the penalty box. Their actual distance from the sideline depends on the positioning of the opposition's midfielders and forwards.
It is very important to verify this situation to make sure that our GK can make a successful short pass, which helps us build up play.
Playbook Rule 3a: Goal kicks against opponents in a 5-1 attacking formation (5 midfield, 1 forward) we use a 2-5 formation (2 defenders, 5 midfield).
Playbook Rule 3b: Goal kicks against opponents in a 4-2 attacking formation we use a 3-4 formation.
Playbook Rule 3c: Goal kicks against opponents in a 3-3 attacking formation we use a 1) 4-3 formation for numerical advantage in zone A with a short pass, or (2) 3-4 formation for numerical advantage in zone B with a medium pass.
If the 2 previous passes are not available due to intelligent positioning and good tracking movement from our opponents, then the GK can play a long pass into zone C towards the wingers who are in 1 v 1 situations.
Playbook Rule 3d: Goal kicks against opponents in a 2-4 attacking formation we use a 4-3 formation.
Our back 4 and central midfielders are often marked, leaving one of the full backs free in zone B for a medium kick.
Playing up from the GK involves selecting the appropriate passing strategy based on the tactical situation and opposition's formation. This decision-making process aims to optimize progression by creating numerical advantage for building up.
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