Match moments / We have the ball
Make a chance from the wing
The ball is out wide and their full-back is in the way. An overlap, a good final ball and a cool finish: the most common way goals are made at every level.
In the match
- Decision 1Full-back
- Decision 2Winger
- Decision 3Midfielder
You are 2, our right-back.
Your winger is stuck against their full-back. What do you do?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
Now their full-back has two of you to watch. Whichever one they choose, the other goes past.
It can work
We keep the ball, but their full-back still stands between us and the byline.
Costly
You bring a defender with you into the space 7 needed. Two of theirs now close one of ours.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 7, our right winger.
You are past the full-back near the byline. What next?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
The defenders are running towards their own goal. A ball pulled back goes away from them, onto 8's foot.
It can work
Sometimes it goes in, but the keeper only has the near post to cover. A pass back is a much better chance.
Costly
Their centre-backs are facing it and there is no deliberate heading in matches up to under-11 anyway. Low balls beat defenders running backwards.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 8, arriving on the penalty spot.
The cut-back reaches you. How do you finish?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
The keeper is on the near post and the blocker is turning. A first-time shot to the far side beats both.
It can work
Power without placement from 12 metres usually goes over or straight at the keeper.
Costly
The blocker is already turning. One touch gives them the second they need.
How you know it is happening
- Our winger has the ball and their full-back is in the way.
- Defenders are running back towards their own goal.
- A teammate is holding back around the penalty spot.
Why it works
Two attackers against one full-back means one of them is always free. Then defenders running back cannot watch the ball and the runner at the same time: the cut-back moves away from them and onto an attacker who is facing goal.
The tactics behind it
Your job, by position
- WWinger and wide midfielder
- Get to the byline, then look up before you pass.
- Pass to the space around the penalty spot, along the ground.
- FBFull-back and wing-back
- Overlap or underlap to make it two against one.
- Call "overlap" so the winger knows you are coming.
- If the winger goes alone, stay behind as cover.
- STStriker
- Near-post run to take the centre-backs with you.
- If the ball gets through, be there for the tap-in.
- CMCentral midfielder
- Arrive late around the penalty spot, not early.
- Finish first time, low, across the keeper.
- AMAttacking midfielder
- Edge of the box, for the cut-back that runs through.
- Ready to shoot or recycle it wide.
How to explain it
- Mark a "cut-back zone" with cones around the penalty spot and keep score of goals from it.
- Ask the runners to arrive, not to wait.
- Ask the winger: "where were the defenders running?"
On the training pitch
- With a friend1v1 to the lineThe technique underneath it, with one friend.
- The practiceLow crosses and cut-backsThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The gameEnd-zone gameA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- Wide channels where only the winger can go, unopposed at first.
- Goals from a cut-back count double.
- No high crosses.
Three things to say
- To the byline.
- Look up before you pass.
- Arrive late.
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
- How many times did you reach the byline?
- Was anyone at the penalty spot when you did?
What to look back on
- Where did our chances come from: wide, through, or set pieces?