Introduction

The build-up phase in soccer is a critical moment that sets the foundation for a team’s offensive structure. It requires precise coordination, technical execution, and a clear understanding of how to navigate opposition pressure. While there are various ways to build from the back, teams must adapt their approach based on the type of pressing applied by the opponent. The three types of pressing strategies we can face during goal-kick build-ups are individual pressing, hybrid pressing, and block pressing. Each presents unique challenges that demand specific tactical solutions. In this article, we will explain how to adapt the build-up to each type of pressing.

Build-Up vs Individual Pressing

As we mentioned in the introduction, the first step is to anticipate or recognize which system and type of pressing the opponent is using and adapt to gain advantage. In a situation where the opposition employs individual pressing, every player in the defensive third is tightly marked in an individual way, aiming to disrupt short passing options and force the attacking team to clear the ball. To overcome this, the goalkeeper becomes a crucial extra player, creating numerical superiority in the first phase.

A good strategy is to start by playing directly to the goalkeeper and way for the opponent to press them. Then, the attacking team can find the player with the advantage using a third player or surpass high pressing by using one-two combinations. This option is high-risk but also offers high rewards. As a coach, you must properly assess the situation and decide whether to take the risk or not.

The less risky option is to use numerical equality in the attacking line. The approach depends on the players’ profiles. One possibility is playing to a target player, usually a tall and strong striker who can hold up the ball and win second balls. Another option is to create and exploit spaces behind the defensive line. For instance, if the team has fast wingers, the striker can drop back to engage his direct opponent, allowing a long ball to be played into the space left behind for the winger to attack.

Build-Up vs Hybrid Pressing

Hybrid pressing presents a different challenge, as it combines structured defensive positioning with selective high pressing. Unlike individual pressing, opponents in a hybrid system do not immediately commit to pressing but instead wait for specific triggers, such as a pass to a certain area or a player under pressure. To counter this, teams must recognize the moments when the opponent decides to step forward. Attracting the press to one side before quickly switching play to the opposite flank can be highly effective in exploiting space.

Alternating between short and long play prevents predictability and forces the opposition to constantly readjust. A structured approach with positional rotations can disrupt the opponent’s ability to press effectively, as players in deep positions move unpredictably, creating new passing lanes and angles. Fast one-two combinations are another key mechanism in breaking through hybrid pressing since they allow teams to bypass defenders before they can adjust.

Build-Up vs Block Pressing

When facing block pressing, the opposition remains compact, prioritizing defensive stability over high-intensity pressing. The challenge here is not necessarily avoiding pressure but rather finding ways to progress against a well-organized defensive structure. Patience becomes crucial, as rushing the build-up often leads to forced turnovers. Teams should focus on ball circulation, shifting the opposition from side to side to create openings. One of the most effective ways to break down a block press is by switching play quickly, forcing the defensive unit to move and exposing gaps inside their structure. This will allow the team to then play inside and progress towards the advantage.

Circulating the ball inside-outside the defensive block and forward-backward can also help create spaces inside the opposing block, which will make it easier to find a player with space and time. Once we find the player with an advantage, we must be aggressive in going forward ensuring the team progresses efficiently and exploits available spaces.

Conclusion

Understanding the key ideas of different pressing strategies is essential for an effective build-up. Against individual pressing, in order to bypass the pressure we must prioritize using our goalkeeper, quick combinations, and attacking advanced spaces. In response to hybrid pressing, our team must attract pressure strategically, use positional rotations, and be unpredictable in our passing sequences. Against a block press, we must have patience, make quick switches, circulate the ball inside and outside the opposing block and progressing fast once we find a player with advantage. The ability to recognize and adapt to these scenarios will allow our team to maintain control, progress efficiently, and set the foundation for successful a successful attacking play.

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