Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): ABSC Build Out Line Explantion

Albany Berkeley Soccer Club

Michael Ager

Profile Summary

Name:	Michael Ager
City:	Berkley
Country:	United States of America
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Build Out Line Still

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Build Out Line Still

Build-Out Line Explanation:

The build-out line is designed to give youth players an opportunity to practice passing the ball on a goal kick without being under immediate pressure from opponents. This is crucial for player development, as it allows players to develop a wide range of skills—both offensive and defensive—such as goal kicks, passing, and pressing the ball.

On a goal kick, the ball starts with the goalkeeper (or, in 4v4 play, a designated kicker near the goal), and all opponents must stand behind the build-out line. Both sides of the field have this line, and both teams must follow this rule. Opponents may press the ball once the goalkeeper has kicked it. If opponents are not behind the line when the ball is kicked, or if they run past the build-out line before the ball is in play, the referee may call for a retake of the goal kick to ensure it is taken correctly.

The build-out line is also in effect when the goalkeeper has the ball in their hands—usually after picking it up from an opponent's shot or a loss of possession. In this case, opponents must be behind the line before the goalkeeper puts the ball back into play. However, if the goalkeeper decides to pass the ball before opponents have moved behind the line, the ball is in play immediately, and opponents may press from wherever they are on the field. In this scenario, the referee will not stop play or call for a redo, as it is considered open play and a legal decision by the goalkeeper.

One important rule to remember: If a goalkeeper receives the ball from open play (not from a goal kick) and places it on the ground as if preparing for a goal kick, the ball is live as soon as it leaves the goalkeeper’s hands. This means opponents are allowed to apply pressure immediately.

Please remember that the build-out line is designed to help youth players develop fundamental soccer skills. Referees enforce the rules but also apply logic and a player-first approach to the game. If there is confusion, do not be surprised if a referee brings the ball back to clarify the situation. At this age level, winning is not the primary goal—we are focused on teaching players how to play the game correctly.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Build Out Line Animation

See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.

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Build Out Line Animation

Build-Out Line Explanation

In this animation, you will see two examples of a correct goal kick and one example of an incorrect goal kick.

In the first goal kick, the play is legal because the yellow team remains behind the build-out line until the goalkeeper kicks the ball.

In the second goal kick, the play is illegal because one yellow player crosses the build-out line before the kick is taken. As a result, the referee calls for a retake of the goal kick.

In the third goal kick, the play is legal as all the correct rules are followed.