Attacking from the Back “Incorporating the fullbacks”

Once possession is won and maintained the successful attacking teams often begin their attack from the back. As there are at least three and usually four defenders plus a keeper going against two or at most three forwards there is almost always numbers up for the attacking team in the defensive third. However as the ball is near the goal the risk is greater so precision is imperative. Additionally a defense that is separated is far easier to attack as there are seams to attack in. Therefore it is important to use as much of the space as possible to spread the defense apart.

When attacking out of the back, if the fullbacks create width while the forwards establish length this will force the defense to respect the attack and play less compact. As they apply pressure to the ball they will be forced to spread further apart since the attackers have good shape. Most teams well schooled in defense will maintain compactness, however they will be less compact and therefore easier to beat if the the attacking team properly uses the space they have created. In the back third playing intelligently is a prerequisite for success. Players should be supporting on angles, playing on diagonals, and working into the seams to be successful. See diagram 1 for one idea of the positioning of players when in the back third.

Red is the opponent's forwards. When the ball is in back with the right fullback it can be seen that the one center fullback is in support of the ball from behind and the other is in support from the front. The keeper is also in support if the ball goes to either center fullback. The left fullback works wide as the ball moves central to initiate the attack up the opposite side. It can be seen that the ball can be moved through either or both center fullbacks to reverse the point of attack.

The forwards initially are targets to the right fullback however as the ball moves they move becoming target players for the left fullback as he gains possession by checking to the ball in seams.

It can be seen from diagram 1 that, even if playing a flat four, it is important for the center fullbacks to work off of each other giving support options both above and behind the ball. When playing within a stopper/sweeper system, this happens more naturally as the players are already positioned this way. When the ball is with the outside fullback with pressure from the opponent's forwards preventing movement forward, moving the ball around the back creates opportunities otherwise not previously afforded as the opposition forwards, now defending, can not work to the other side as quickly as the ball.

Also note that the position of the opponent's players is what determines the movement of the ball. As the defenders move, the seams and passing alleys will disappear making movement through the back not only important but necessary. Possession in back should be as quick simple and direct as possible; the fullbacks should be looking to create with the forwards or midfielders as quickly as possible.

All teams should be skilled in this basic concept of attacking out of the back and basic movement of the ball in this manner can take place with any four back system of play. Prior to moving onto advanced patterns of play, the basics should be understood, however, for teams looking to play a complex and varied attacking system, the flat four provides dynamic attacking options allowiing the team to attack from all areas of the field. The flat four is defensive system but it's real strength lies in the players ability to attack out of it.

Attacking Out of Flat Four