BRIGHTON | ROBERTO DE ZERBI | PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK | SKILL PRACTICE | 12 PLAYERS

A tactical analysis on Roberto De Zerbi and the Brighton build-up.

In this article, we feature the central build-up play. We also discuss how Brighton looks to provoke the press, play into the pressure, and play through the pressure.

We have technical, skill, and game practices related to this methodology. The practices include downloadable PDFs for coaches to print and take away in preparation for delivering them.

Visit our website www.tactxcoach.com

STRUCTURE
• Area sizes: Large 50x44 | Medium 40x36 | Small 30x28
• Arrange the pitch as shown in the video. Place three (3) small goals at the bottom of the area and one (1) large goal at the top of the practice. Split the area into three (3) zones.
• The practice consists of eleven (11) outfield players split into teams of six (6) and five (5). A goalkeeper works for a team of 6 with a large goal.
• The blue defenders receive the ball unopposed in the top zone. With the ball, one defender can enter the central zone.
• Two (2) blue midfield players and three (3) white midfield players are locked into the central zone.
• The two (2) white defenders are locked into the bottom zone. One of the two (2) blue forward players can drop into the central zone but must only be in there for three (3) seconds.
• The objective of the blue team is to score in small goals.
• The objective of the white team is to score in the large goal.

STRESSES
• Allow the white defenders to track the blue forwards into the central zone.
• Add a centre forward for the white team. Lock the player into the top zone.
• Encourage the white team to use different pressing strategies.
• PHYSICAL LOAD: Adjust area sizes based on physical outcomes. Use larger areas for high sprints/distances and smaller areas for accelerations/decelerations.

COACHES TIP
“Look to win the space on the back of the defender as
the ball is played into the link player”