Playing From The Back - Positioning & Setup

When starting from the goalkeeper, if we want to play from the back, we need to ensure there are passing options in areas of the pitch that allow us to play effectively. Each of those passing options then need further options if they receive the ball. The below two diagrams show a potential setup for passing options in both mini soccer (7 a side) and full 11 a side football when our goalkeeper has the ball.

Initial Setup (pre rule change allowing players in the box)

• The 2 centre backs split wide to the edge of the penalty box to provide a wide option left and right for the goalkeeper. This gives us a wide possession option but also means if lose the ball it isn't in front of our own goal.
• In 11 a side, the two wing backs or full backs push higher up the pitch and hug the touchline to be a wide option for the second pass. In 7 or 9 a side, the wide midfielders would provide this role.
• A central midfielder (or third centre back if playing a back 3) drops deep to the edge of the box to provide a central, short option for the goalkeeper.
• This gives the goalkeeper 3 clear short options.
• The rest of the team provide secondary passing options, as well as width and depth to the team in line with our principles of play when in possession.