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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 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.
Manchester City's build-up play under Guardiola is meticulous - Ederson starts attacks with passes to split center-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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