Back to library
Passing & Combination PlayMovement Off the BallPositioning & ShapeIntermediateAdvancedFocused Drill
3-Zone Progressive Build-Out
15-20 minutes Solo, Partner, Group Cones, 2 mini goals or 4 goal cones, ample balls, 2 sets of bibs, 1 neutral bib
Listen to your Coach
Coach Carter
A short spoken walk-through of this drill.
Goal
Progress through the middle zone before scoring. Look for controlled line-breaking passes and a supporting angle as the next player receives.
Setup
Mark a 25-yard-wide by 50-yard-long pitch with two 15-yard end zones and a 20-yard middle zone; place a goal at each end. Each team sets up in a 3-2-2: three in its defensive zone, two in midfield and two in its attacking zone. Add a neutral in the middle who supports the team in possession, and keep spare balls beside both goals.
Drill Instructions
1. Start with the three defenders building against two opposing forwards; pass through their pressure into the middle zone. 2. Combine with the neutral, then pass into the attacking zone to score; players stay in their zones except one midfielder may follow the ball forward to create a 3v3. 3. On a turnover, reverse the attack and send the supporting midfielder back to the middle; after goals or out-of-play balls, restart from the appropriate defensive zone and build through all three zones.
Coach Tip
Move out of the defender's shadow so the ball carrier can see your feet.
Avoid
Do not force a forward pass when the lane is blocked; use the spare player to find a new angle.
Adjust on the fly
Make it easier
Allow only one opposing midfielder to challenge for the ball in the middle zone; the other screens passing lanes.
Make it harder
Limit the neutral to one touch to demand earlier movement and quicker combinations.
Ready to train?
Add this drill to your Active Drills to start tracking time and progress.
AI Coach feedback
Upload or record a clip of yourself on this drill and your AI coach will spot what's working and what to fix next.
Setup
Mark a 25-yard-wide by 50-yard-long pitch with two 15-yard end zones and a 20-yard middle zone; place a goal at each end. Each team sets up in a 3-2-2: three in its defensive zone, two in midfield and two in its attacking zone. Add a neutral in the middle who supports the team in possession, and keep spare balls beside both goals.
Drill Instructions
1. Start with the three defenders building against two opposing forwards; pass through their pressure into the middle zone. 2. Combine with the neutral, then pass into the attacking zone to score; players stay in their zones except one midfielder may follow the ball forward to create a 3v3. 3. On a turnover, reverse the attack and send the supporting midfielder back to the middle; after goals or out-of-play balls, restart from the appropriate defensive zone and build through all three zones.
Goal
Progress through the middle zone before scoring. Look for controlled line-breaking passes and a supporting angle as the next player receives.
Coach Tip
Move out of the defender's shadow so the ball carrier can see your feet.
Avoid
Do not force a forward pass when the lane is blocked; use the spare player to find a new angle.
Adjust on the fly
Make it easier
Allow only one opposing midfielder to challenge for the ball in the middle zone; the other screens passing lanes.
Make it harder
Limit the neutral to one touch to demand earlier movement and quicker combinations.
Watch the Drill
Video coming soon.
QR
coming
soon
coming
soon
Listen to your Coach
Coach Carter
A short spoken walk-through of this drill.
Ready to train?
Add this drill to your Active Drills to start tracking time and progress.
AI Coach feedback
Upload or record a clip of yourself on this drill and your AI coach will spot what's working and what to fix next.