What is Phase 1 in football coaching?

Phase 1 is the first phase of the attack: building up from the goalkeeper and defenders and getting the ball past the opposition’s first line of pressure. Touchtight calls it “Begin the Attack”.

What age are build-up play practices for?

Build-up play relies on positions and team shape, so it is usually coached with older age groups. Each outline shows the age group it is tagged for in Club.

Are these practices free?

The practice outlines on this page are free to read, and some practices have a free full video. The full coaching library is in Touchtight Club, which you can try free for 14 days (card required).

Phase 1 · Begin the Attack

Phase 1 build-up play drills. Play out. Beat the press.

Phase 1 practices coach how a team starts its attack from the goalkeeper and back line: creating width and depth, playing through or around the first line of pressure, and moving the ball into midfield. Each outline gives the setup and key coaching points, with the full video in Club.

Touchtight Club has 65 Phase 1 build-up practices (as of October 2026). Below: 4 practice outlines.

See all 65 in Club ↗ Browse the practices ↓

Practice outlines

Phase 1 build-up practices

Age Group

Practice Type

Players

Pitch size

4 of 4 shown

26-P2 · Rondo

Beat the Press to Play Out Rondo (Goalkeeper)

This goalkeeper rondo focuses on developing composure, decision-making, and effective distribution under pressure during the build-up phase.

Ages 12–14 · 5-10 players · 1/8 Pitch · 2 progressions + player questions in Club

31-P10 · Phase of play

Beat The Press to Attack (433)

This phase of play practice focuses on breaking through a press with structured build-up play and quick combinations to finish.

Ages 15–17 · 11-16 players · 1/4 Pitch · 1 progression + player questions in Club

52-P5 · Skill practice

Centre Back's Playing Out From the Back

This practice is designed to develop CB's who can confidently step into midfield and help break the first line of opposition pressure.

Ages 12–14 · 5-10 players · 1/4 Pitch · 1 progression + player questions in Club

26-P3 · Opposed practice

4 v 3 Opposed Build-Up Game

It’s time to develop your goalkeeper’s skills and team cohesion with this dynamic 4 v 3 opposed practice!

Ages 9–11 · 5-10 players · 1/4 Pitch · 1 progression + player questions in Club

These are 4 of the 65 Phase 1 build-up practices in Club. Start a free trial to see them all ↗

Coaching it

How to get more from these practices.

The six phases

Touchtight organises practices into six phases of the game: 1 Begin the Attack, 2 Possession Questions, 3 Finish the Attack, 4 Press to Regain, 5 Organised Defending and 6 Defend the Goal. Phase 1 is the build-up, from the goalkeeper to the moment the ball is played through the opposition’s first line.

Shape before the ball

Good build-up starts before the first pass. Full backs give width, centre backs split, and a midfielder shows between the lines. Many are set in a familiar shape such as a 433 or 4231, so the rotations carry straight into your team.

Read the press

The key decision in Phase 1 is when to play short, when to switch and when to go longer. Progressions usually add a pressing player or let the press start higher, so players learn to recognise the cue.

Questions

What coaches ask.

What is Phase 1 in football coaching?: Phase 1 is the first phase of the attack: building up from the goalkeeper and defenders and getting the ball past the opposition’s first line of pressure. Touchtight calls it “Begin the Attack”.
What age are build-up play practices for?: Build-up play relies on positions and team shape, so it is usually coached with older age groups. Each outline shows the age group it is tagged for in Club.
Are these practices free?: The practice outlines on this page are free to read, and some practices have a free full video. The full coaching library is in Touchtight Club, which you can try free for 14 days (card required).