Attacking from the Back
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
Attacking from the Back is a full-field soccer attacking drill that starts every move where real attacks start: the goalkeeper's distribution. U12-U16 players receive on the run, feed a central target, and finish with a strike from outside the box. Run continuously at top speed, it's also a serious fitness workout.
Browse the full attacking drills library for more like this, or explore every soccer drill for U14 players.
Setup
- Place a goalkeeper in each goal with a large supply of balls.
- Split the team into two lines of about 6 players, positioned on diagonally opposite corners of the field.
- Put two additional players in the center circle as target players.
How It Works
- Both keepers start simultaneously, distributing to the first player in their line.
- The receiving player makes an advancing run to meet the keeper's distribution, controls it, and passes to the feet of the center-circle target on their side.
- The target player controls, turns, dribbles at the far goal, and shoots from outside the 18-yard line.
- After the shot, the shooter joins the end of the line and the passer becomes the new center-circle target.
- Keep both sides flowing continuously at top speed.
Coaching Points
- Quality on every link: clean control from the keeper, an accurate pass to feet, a sharp turn, and a real strike.
- Get out of the back quickly but under control - simulate countering into a numbers-up situation.
- Time the advancing run so the keeper's distribution arrives in stride.
- Shots stay outside the 18 - work on hitting the target from distance.
Variations
- Add a defender on the shooter to create a 1v1 finish.
- Have the passer overlap down the wing after their pass, creating a 2v1 to goal.
- Vary the keeper's distribution: throws, punts, and driven passes off the ground.