Small-Sided Soccer Game
Build-Out Line Game
Practice the 7v7 build-out rule. The keeper and three players play out from the back past the attackers and score by getting through a gate.
Step 1 of 7
The keeper has the ball, so A1, A2 and A3 must wait behind the build-out line. 2 and 3 get wide.
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- 6–7
- Ages
- 8–10U9–U11
- Pace
- Medium
Works on
- Passing
- Ball control
- Wins the ball
Set up
- Use one half of a 7v7 field with a goal and a keeper.
- Mark the build-out line with cones, halfway between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.
- Put two gates, about 4 yards wide, on the halfway line near each sideline.
- The keeper plus 3 players (two backs and a midfielder) build out. 2 or 3 attackers start behind the build-out line.
- With more kids, swap groups every 3 minutes or run a second game at the other end.
- Space
- Half of a 7v7 field, about 30 x 40 yards
- You need
- 1 goal · 3 cones for the build-out line · 4 cones for 2 gates · Lots of balls · Pinnies
How to play
- When the keeper has the ball in their hands or takes a goal kick, the attackers must go back behind the build-out line.
- The keeper rolls, throws or passes the ball to a teammate. No punts or drop kicks in 7v7.
- As soon as the ball is played, the attackers can cross the line and press.
- The builders score a point by dribbling or passing through a gate at halfway.
- If the attackers win the ball, they attack the big goal and try to score.
- After each point or goal, restart with the keeper. Swap roles every 3 minutes.
Coaching points
- Backs get wide, near the sideline, while the attackers are still behind the line.
- Keeper: play it quickly to the open player, then move so they have a safe pass back.
- Midfielder: come toward the ball and open your body so you can turn.
- If one side is crowded, switch the ball to the other side.
- Attackers: press together. One goes to the ball, the others cut off the easy pass.
Easier
Use only two attackers, or make the attackers wait until the first pass is received before they press.
Harder
Add a fourth attacker, or the builders get only two touches each.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put Build-Out Line Game in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.