Build-Up Play Explained | Why Playing Out From the Back is the Best Tactic | Football Tactics

Summary

This video explores the growing trend of building from the back in football, a tactic where teams start their attack from the goalkeeper. It discusses the benefits, such as creating a numerical advantage and opening up space for strikers, while analyzing managers like Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, and Luciano Spalletti who excel with this approach. It also touches on how rule changes and positional shifts in recent years have increased the value of ball-playing defenders and goalkeepers. The video ends by teasing an upcoming discussion on high pressing as a counter to this tactic.

Takeaways

• ⚽ Building from the back in football is a hotly debated topic, with opinions split between playing short or going long from goal kicks to reduce risk.
• 📈 A 2019 rule change allowing players inside the box during goal kicks increased the frequency of short passes, especially among defenders and goalkeepers.
• 🔝 Ball-playing goalkeepers and center-backs have become highly valued, as their passing abilities are now critical in build-up play.
• 👥 The numerical advantage of 11 vs 10, with the opposition goalkeeper not defending, makes it easier for teams to create space and control the game from the back.
• 🔺 Build-up play relies on creating triangles, freeing up passing lanes, and stretching the opposition's formation to find space for attackers.
• 🛡️ Fullbacks often stay wide to stretch the opposition, while wingers pin defenders, preventing them from pressing and opening space for others.
• 📊 Pep Guardiola's build-up strategy involves using a 3-2-4-1 formation, often with an inverted fullback moving inside, creating overloads in key areas.
• 🧠 Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-2-1 system at Chelsea focuses on stretching teams horizontally, using wingbacks to pin fullbacks and attacking midfielders to balance the midfield.
• 🔄 Luciano Spalletti uses a flexible backline, often employing central midfielders in half spaces during build-up to trick opposition into leaving gaps.
• 🚧 High pressing is seen as the main counter to building from the back, leading to tactical battles between pressing teams and those using short passes to progress.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'building from the back' in football?

Building from the back refers to the tactical approach where teams start their attack from their goalkeeper and defenders, emphasizing organized and structured play to move the ball forward rather than launching long passes.

Why has building from the back become more common in recent years?

A 2019 rule change that allows players inside the box during goal kicks has encouraged more teams to build from the back, leading to an increase in passes by goalkeepers and defenders, and a shift in tactical emphasis towards this approach.

What is the main advantage of building from the back?

The main advantage is the numerical superiority it creates, as the goalkeeper adds an extra player, leading to an 11 vs. 10 situation, which can help lure opposition players forward and create space in other areas of the pitch.

How do fullbacks and wingers contribute to building from the back?

Fullbacks often stay wide to stretch the opposition, while wingers 'pin' opposition defenders, preventing them from pressing and creating more space for their teammates during build-up phases.

What tactical innovation has Pep Guardiola introduced in recent years regarding build-up play?

Pep Guardiola has introduced the use of the inverted fullback, where one fullback moves inside alongside the central defensive midfielder, creating a 3-2 shape that helps break opposition presses.

How does Thomas Tuchel's approach to building from the back differ from Guardiola's?

Thomas Tuchel employs a back-three system at Chelsea, with wing-backs pushing high and wide, which stretches the opposition both vertically and horizontally, and uses rotations with attacking midfielders to balance the midfield.

What is the concept of 'pinning' in football, as discussed in the script?

Pinning refers to positioning players, often wingers, in a way that forces opposition defenders to stay back and not press forward, ensuring that teammates have more time and space on the ball.

How does Napoli's Luciano Spalletti innovate in build-up play?

Luciano Spalletti uses a flexible backline where a central midfielder moves into the half-space during build-up play, creating passing options and forcing the opposition to make difficult decisions on how to press.

Why has the value of ball-playing goalkeepers and center-backs increased?

Ball-playing goalkeepers and center-backs are crucial in modern football's build-up tactics, as their ability to pass effectively from the back is essential for creating attacking opportunities while maintaining possession.

What are the risks of building from the back?

The main risk of building from the back is losing possession close to one's own goal, which can leave the defense vulnerable to high pressing and lead to conceding chances or goals.