Coaching Full-Backs In The Attacking Third: Roles, Movement & Training Solutions – Tactical Theory

The role of full-backs playing in a back four can be one of, if not the most, tactically fluid positions on the pitch. 

Even within the same formation, across any league on any given matchday, you will see full-backs being asked to take up various positions on the field and add different dynamics to their sides attacking phases. 

Depending on the coaches preferences, full-backs will provide diverse attacking options for their team, including delivering crosses from deep positions, attacking the box to provide cut-backs, and making overlapping runs. 

This is in addition to their defensive duties, which increasingly include an essential role in counterpressing high in the oppositions final third.

This tactical theory, using examples from recent Premier League and La Liga goals, analyses the role of an attacking full-back in the final third.

Different tactical options available to full-backs will be analysed to show how they can most affect their teams chances of scoring goals. 

Also included in this tactical analysis are training exercises and small-sided games that can be used to develop full-backs technical ability and tactical understanding in certain attacking situations. 

Inverted Full-Backs Attacking The Box

The above image, taken from the build-up to Valencias opening and winning goal away to Getafe, is a textbook example of how a full-back can attack the box from an inverted position to devastating effect. 

Left-back, #14 José Gayà moved into an inverted position, inside his left winger, when the ball was on the opposite side of the pitch. 

As the ball was being switched, the Spain international remained in this half-space position as his winger pulled out wide to receive the ball from his left centre-back.