The build-up phase
The first phase of an attack, a well-choreographed build-up can be a beautiful watch. Having watched over 400 goal kicks for my Performance Analysis thesis researching the change to Law 16, I watched a lot of attempts to build offensively from the 6 yard box. While there were a handful of disasterclasses to wince at, plenty more masterclasses were on show in how to build an attack from deep versus a settled defence.
It’s a phase of play that forces both teams to show their hand in different tactical facets of their game, depending on in-game context.
While there is the obvious direct route option to surpass the opposition block, this piece will look at the indirect route, which is built on three core principles;
- Numerical superiority and the ‘+1 rule’
- Draw pressure to create space
- Create passing angles (depth, width and height)
Understanding these three elements and spotting them in-game makes it clear just how much they intertwine in practice. Below, three examples of build-up play will help to illustrate these principles in three different contexts- versus a high press, a mid-block and a low-block. You’ll find that each concept is used in each circumstance, the only difference being some derive more importance than others depending on the opposition’s defensive strategy.
In each case, watch the video initially and attempt to spot the above three principles. A tactical illustration and freeze frames will then help break down each aspect of the build-up.
Build-up versus a high press
This is pretty clear- Southampton defending in a 4–4–2 high press, while Arsenal look to build past the first line with a 3–1 structure. This gives Arsenal plenty of options to progress pass the first line of 2 while Tierney and Tomiyasu (out of frame) provide height in the inside channels above the initial structure.
Southampton under Hassenhüttl (at least until 22/23) were characterised by a high, aggressive press and so it was no surprise that the ball to Ramsdale was the trigger for an aggressive press by Adam Armstrong. However, the initial numerical superiority and structure meant Ramsdale had options, Ben White being the receiver of his pass. The space left by Armstrong meant Partey could be found in ample space as the third man, as the distance that Diallo had to travel was too far to disrupt the Ghanaian’s first touch.
A similar situation occurs towards the middle third of the pitch. Tomiyasu is available as a wide option for a pass, while Odegaard can drop into the space vacated by Diallo to receive as a third man. Upon releasing the ball, Tomiyasu can advance into the space out wide left by Kyle Walker-Peters. With seven Southampton players essentially now out of the game, Arsenal can quickly progress the ball into the finishing phase of the attack.
It was an impressive build up by Arsenal under pressure, one where each player needed to be aware of and quickly utilise each of the three principles discussed, while also being technically sharp.
Build-up versus a mid-block
With Genk defending in a 4–2–3–1 mid-block, it’s clear they’re not worried about being outnumbered in the 1st line. For this reason, we’ll focus on how De Zerbi’s trademark narrow build-up shape outnumbered the 3–1 pressing structure in the first phase. In this context, inverted full-backs allow for circulation of the ball in a tight, narrow first phase, in order to ‘suck in’ Genk’s first two lines of pressure to create space in higher and wider channels to progress the ball. Shakhtar’s #6 completes the 5v4 overload.
The next phase of the build up really encapsulates the three core principles within the span of 10 seconds. In the below image, we see the initial structure discussed above as well as Shakhtar’s two acting ‘8s’ being blocked off by the Genk midfielders in the next line.
Shakhtar’s centre half then draws pressure in order for his left back to receive in the space created behind the Genk striker. While ultimately it’s just a simple wall pass, what happens next is key.
The Shakhtar left back returns to his previous position while the Genk right midfielder naturally follows him. This is the trigger for the ballside Shakhtar ‘8’ to evade his marker and receive through the passing lane that has reopened. It’s also important to note that while the Genk striker is doing exactly as he should in blocking two passing lanes while also pressuring the man on the ball, numerical superiority means that a vertical passing angle is now available on the other side.
This is when Shakhtar get dangerous. The narrow initial shape has done what it is designed to do. The centre half holding his position has created a natural passing angle for the ‘8’ to play to him first time. He then draws pressure from the Genk left back, however the 2v1 numerical superiority on this side means there is now space created in behind for the right back to attack. Shakhtar can then progress with a 4v4 against a disorganised defence with ample space to attack and quickly transition to the finishing phase.
Build-up versus a low-block
Given the nature of a low-block, Inter are happy to concede numerical superiority in the first phase of build-up. De Zerbi’s narrow initial shape allows for quick circulation of the ball, looking to draw pressure in order to exploit gaps. We see this principle in action, as Shakhtar’s centre half draws pressure from Dzeko which allows their centre midfielder to receive as the third man in the space created via the right back. In this instance, the ball is simply recycled as Shakhtar look to attack down the other side.
Inter’s narrow structure in the midfield and forward lines naturally leaves space in the wide areas. Shakhtar’s ballside 8 in the above image made a clever run to get into that position and strategically waited in the rightsided Inter midfielder’s cover shadow. However, it must be said that really poor awareness by the latter renders his press absolutely useless, and an easy passing lane is opened for Shakhtar to progress, allowing them to get into an extermely advantageous position in the final third against a stretched Inter defence.
That’s a brief(ish) overview of build ups against the three different defensive blocks. It’s interesting to see just how much the three core principles combine together in order to unlock the initial lines of a defence and progress the ball to dangerous areas and finish an attack. Of course, the direct route is sometimes more applicable, but the first example in particular shows just how satisfying (and efficient) it can be to watch an attack from the build up phase, to the progression phase, and finally to the finishing phase.
