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Definition

Build-Up Play

1 definition submitted by the community

1

Passing out from the back through short balls instead of going long. Usually starts with the keeper, centre-backs split wide, a midfielder drops in, and the team circulates the ball until gaps open up. Everyone needs to be comfortable on the ball, including the keeper. Critics say it's risky when you're doing it in your own box. Fans of it say it creates better attacks and more control.

The Manchester City build-up play under Guardiola is meticulous - the keeper starts attacks with passes to split centre-backs, Rodri drops between them, and the team plays through pressure with short, sharp passes until gaps appear in the opposition's press.

Robbie Jan 11, 2026
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