Match moments / They have the ball
Defend the cut-back
Their winger is racing to our byline. The pass they want is the low cut-back to a runner arriving at the penalty spot. Our holding midfielder, our centre-back and our full-back each have one job.
In the match
- Decision 1Holding mid
- Decision 2Centre-back
- Decision 3Full-back
You are 6, our holding midfielder.
Their midfielder is running into our box. Where do you go?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
The cut-back is aimed at the penalty spot. Getting there first, between the runner and the goal, takes the pass away.
It can work
You are close, but behind them. If the pass comes, they reach it first.
Costly
The space at the penalty spot is empty, and that is exactly where the cut-back goes.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 5, our right centre-back.
Their winger is at the byline. Where do you stand?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
A pass or shot at the near post is the shortest route to goal. You close it, and 4 guards their striker.
It can work
2 is already there. Going too leaves the near post open.
Costly
On the line you block nothing and play everyone onside.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 2, chasing their winger.
The winger is about to pull it back. What do you do?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
You cannot win the race, but you can block the pass. A leg in the line of the cut-back, standing up, stops it at source.
It can work
Others are back, so it may not matter, but you have given them a free pass.
Costly
A tackle from behind inside our box can easily be a foul, and a foul in the box is a penalty.
How you know it is happening
- Their winger has beaten our full-back.
- They are heading for the byline, not cutting inside.
- A runner is arriving late at the edge of our box.
Why it works
From the byline, the most dangerous pass is the low ball back to the penalty spot, because the runner is facing goal and our defenders are facing their own goal. Filling that space first, guarding the near post and blocking at source takes it away.
The tactics behind it
Your job, by position
- DMHolding midfielder
- When the winger heads for the byline, sprint to the penalty spot area.
- CBCentre-back
- Near post first.
- Keep their striker in front of you.
- FBFull-back and wing-back
- Keep chasing to block the pass.
- Stay on your feet in the box.
- GKGoalkeeper
- Shout "spot!" so the midfielder knows where to go.
How to explain it
- Mark the penalty spot area with cones and call it "the hot zone".
- Ask: where would you want the ball if you were their runner?
On the training pitch
- On your ownTurn and recoverThe technique underneath it, with a ball and some space.
- The practiceLow crosses and cut-backsThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The gameFour-goal gameA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- Attackers score double from a cut-back.
- Defenders win a point every time the hot zone is filled first.
Three things to say
- Fill the spot.
- Near post.
- Block at source.
On Saturday
Tick them off on the day. Nothing is saved: print the page if you want to keep it.
After the whistle
Ask yourself
- Did you get to the spot before their runner?
What to look back on
- Which goals came from cut-backs, and where were our midfielders?