Tactical Theory: Coaching build-up play from goal kicks in an increasingly creative football landscape – tactical analysis

Goal kicks have become integral to most teams build-up play and can often indicate their overall playing style. Many variations of set-ups and movements are now on display each weekend. No longer are goalkeepers only asked to push their teammates up the pitch, aim for a big striker and hope to win second balls.

The development in goal kicks has been brought along significantly by the implementation of the new goal kick rule in the 2019/22 season. This new rule, allowing the ball to be received in the box, was designed to curb time-wasting and speed up the game. Previously, the ball was not in play until it left the penalty area. If a receiving player was pressed, the player could deliberately step into the box to touch the ball. This would result in the goal kick being retaken and the in-possession team being let off the hook.

Consequently, this has dramatically extended goalkeepers involvement in building up from goal kicks. They are so integral that some are receiving, instead of playing, the first pass. This new FIFA law has probably had the most significant impact on how the game is played aesthetically and tactically since the pass-back law was introduced in 1992.

With new goal-kick set-ups occurring every week, coaches are constantly plotting new ideas on how to press and trap opposition teams from goal kicks. This has led to a continuous innovation cycle on both sides of the ball.

This tactical theory will provide a tactical analysis of how teams can build up from goal kicks. The primary analysis will be of De Zerbis Brighton and how they implement the latest trend of centre-backs taking the kick and passing to the goalkeeper. This tactical analysis will also include examples of how Pep Guardiolas Manchester City scored from playing goal kicks long. This analysis will also suggest how coaches can implement build-up play tactics from goal kicks.

First pass to the goalkeeper

The above image shows Brightons set-up for goal kicks in their Premier League match against Newcastle this season. Brighton kept four players high in the build-up and six outfield players around the box. Newcastle matched this, pressing high with six payers. Three pressing players can be seen above, ready to pounce as soon as the ball is played. They have two players marking Brightons full-backs and one midfielder in the central area, just out of shot. Brightons right-back, out of shot, is in a symmetrical position to his left back.

Although the primary reason for Brightons goal kick set-up is to find a way through the first line of pressure, there is an added benefit. With six players in or around the goal area, should Brighton lose possession, there are enough players that the situation does not turn into a specific goal conceded.

In this example, Brighton began the play wit