Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Pattern of play in 433

Block 1

Tactical Pattern of Play – Build-Up Phase (4-3-3 vs 4-4-2)
Objective: Controlled progression from the goalkeeper through structured movement and positional rotations to access central and advanced areas.

Pattern Description

• The goalkeeper initiates by playing into the left centre-back (LCB), who then distributes to the left-back (LB).

• This pass to the LB acts as a trigger for the left central midfielder (LCM) to stretch the pitch by moving wide towards the touchline, creating width and space.

• The right central midfielder (RCM) maintains a high position, pinning the opposing midfield line and creating space centrally for the CDM (No.6) to receive facing forward.

• The left winger (LW) rotates inside into the No.10 position, exploiting the vacated central lane.

• The right winger (RW) holds the width to stretch the back line and offer an outlet on the weak side.

• The No.9 (centre forward) positions between the two centre-backs to occupy and pin the defensive line.

• The right-back (RB) advances on the opposite side, providing additional width and an overlapping option. If the opposition’s left midfielder remains wide, the RB can invert to create a midfield overload.

As the team progresses past the halfway line, the CDM should find space to drive forward, potentially engaging an opponent and creating an overload centrally or in wide areas.

Contingency Plans

• If the opposition right winger blocks the inside pass into the CDM, the LB can bypass centrally and play directly into the LCM, who is now positioned wide on the touchline.

• If the opposition central midfielder steps high to press the CDM, the LB can instead look to play into the LW, who has rotated into the No.10 space, exploiting the gap left by the pressing midfielder.

Coaching Focus

• Recognising and reacting to positional triggers

• Positional rotations to disrupt opposition shape

• Supporting angles and distances for progression

• Using the third man to bypass pressing traps

• Playing with purpose: when to circulate, when to penetrate

• Transitional structure behind the ball for security

Block 3

Block 3 – Build-Up Using a False Full-Back (FFB) & Rotations in a 4-3-3

Objective: To progress from deep by using positional rotations, a false full-back (FFB), and width from the centre-backs to break the opposition's first line of pressure and access advanced central zones.

Pattern Overview

• Goalkeeper initiates by playing to the left centre-back (LCB).

• The LCB combines with the left-back (LB) in a short 1-2, before switching play across to the right centre-back (RCB).

• This lateral movement acts as a trigger for the right-back (RB) to push high, dragging the opposition winger back towards the halfway line.

• Simultaneously, the CDM drops into the false full-back (FFB) position on the left side, receiving the ball facing forward — offering control, security, and progression.

• The right central midfielder (RCM) rotates into the No.10 space, dragging the opposition's left central midfielder (LCM) away and creating space centrally.

• The left central midfielder (LCM) covers round into a more central and deeper position, maintaining structural balance in case of turnover and preparing for defensive transition.

Attacking Options from the FFB Zone

Once the CDM receives in the FFB zone, the team can exploit several attacking possibilities depending on the opposition’s positioning and pressure cues.

If the Opposition Strikers Block the Pass into the CDM

• If both opposition forwards position themselves on the outside shoulders of the centre-backs, effectively screening the CDM’s access to the ball:

  • Both centre-backs stretch even wider, increasing the lateral distance between them.

  • This action creates a central pocket of space behind the pressing strikers.

  • The CDM times their movement to drop into this vacated central zone, receiving the ball beyond the first line of pressure, ensuring body shape is open to play forward.

Coaching Focus Areas

• Positional awareness and timing of rotations (e.g., RB movement, RCM's occupation of 10 space)

• Exploiting triggers and creating disorganisation in the opponent's press

• Use of the false full-back role to attract, unbalance, and progress

• Centre-back width to manipulate pressing lines and open central channels

• CDM body shape: receive beyond pressure, scan, and play forward

• Structural balance: LCM awareness to support defensive transition and prevent counterattacks