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🎯
Tactical

Build-Up Play and Passing

Develop your role in build-up play as a passing option and playmaker from the back.

Modern tactical systems require goalkeepers to be comfortable on the ball and competent passers. You're often the spare player in build-up, meaning you'll receive passes under pressure and need to play accurately to continue the attack. This requires technical ability, tactical understanding, composure, and clear communication with your defenders.

Key Points

  • 1Position yourself to offer a passing angle to defenders under pressure
  • 2Scan constantly to know your options before receiving the ball
  • 3Master passing with both feet for varied passing lanes
  • 4Communicate clearly with defenders about build-up patterns and triggers
  • 5Stay calm under pressure and never panic into a clearance

Training Drills

  • ✓Build-up patterns with your defensive unit
  • ✓Passing under pressure with forwards closing you down
  • ✓Weak foot passing development
  • ✓Decision-making scenarios: when to play short, when to go long
  • ✓Rondos and possession games including the goalkeeper

Learn From the Pros

Ederson's exceptional passing ability in Manchester City's build-upAlisson Becker's calm distribution starting Liverpool attacksMarc-André ter Stegen's importance to Barcelona's possession gameAaron Ramsdale's comfort playing out from the back

Ask FootballGPT

“How can I improve my passing under pressure?”

“What should I do when pressed aggressively during build-up?”

“How do I know when to play out versus going long?”

“Should I use my weaker foot or adjust my body position?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my passing isn't good enough for build-up play?

It can be improved with dedicated practice. Work on both feet, accuracy under pressure, and different passing distances. Modern football increasingly demands this skill. Even basic competence massively helps your team. If genuinely uncomfortable, communicate this to your coach for alternative tactics.

How should I position myself during build-up?

Position yourself to create passing angles, usually centrally and deep enough to give defenders a safe option. Move side to side with play to offer yourself. Don't stand on your line. Being available and accessible makes build-up much easier.

What do I do when opponents press me aggressively?

Stay calm, use the whole area available, and take your time. Look for defenders in space wide or central. If genuinely no safe option exists, go long rather than forcing a risky pass. One cleared ball is better than a turnover leading to a goal.

Should I always play out or is it okay to go long sometimes?

It's absolutely fine to go long when appropriate. Playing out is a tool, not a rule. If the press is too aggressive, if you're uncomfortable, or if going long suits the tactical moment, use it. Forced build-up under pressure leads to mistakes.

Related Guides

⚽Distribution🎯Goal Kicks📢Communication and Organising

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goalkeeper build-upplaying out from the backgoalkeeper passinggoalkeeper tacticspossession footballmodern goalkeeper

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Build-Up Play and Passing - Goalkeeper Guide | FootballGPT