Match moments / Set pieces
Press their goal kick
Their goal kick, and they want to pass short. The striker's position, the winger's press and the number 10's finish can turn their goal kick into our goal.
In the match
- Decision 1Striker
- Decision 2Winger
- Decision 3Number 10
You are 9, our striker.
Their keeper wants to pass short. Where do you stand?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
You block one short pass with your body and leave the other open on purpose, towards the side where 7 is waiting.
It can work
Too far away to block anything. The keeper can pick either centre-back.
Costly
Running straight at the keeper blocks nothing. Both centre-backs are free, and you are out of the game.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 7, our right winger.
The pass goes to their centre-back on your side. What do you do?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
Coming from outside, you block the pass down the line. The only pass left is inside, where 10 is waiting.
It can work
You get there, but the pass down the line is still open and they play round you.
Costly
Nobody presses the ball, so the centre-back has all the time in the world.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 10, with the ball.
You have won it 20 metres from their goal. What now?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
Their defence is spread wide for the goal kick and the keeper is off the line. This is the chance the press was for.
It can work
It might work, but their centre-back is coming back across and the shot gets harder with every touch.
Costly
9 is beyond their centre-backs and level with the keeper. Only one opponent is between 9 and the goal line, so 9 is offside.
How you know it is happening
- A goal kick to them.
- Their centre-backs split to the edges of the box.
- Their keeper looks short rather than long.
Why it works
When a team plays out from a goal kick, its defenders are spread wide and close to their own goal. If we take away the safe passes together, they either kick it long or lose it near their box, where one pass or shot can score.
The tactics behind it
Your job, by position
- STStriker
- Stand between the keeper and one centre-back.
- Curve your run so one pass is always in your shadow.
- WWinger and wide midfielder
- Wait level with their centre-back, not too close.
- When the pass comes your side, press from outside to block the line.
- AMAttacking midfielder
- Mark their 6 tightly, goal side.
- When it comes inside, step in and win it.
- If you win it, shoot early.
- CMCentral midfielder
- Stay close to their other midfielder.
- Be ready for the long kick if they go long.
- CBCentre-back
- Push up to halfway, so the team stays close.
- Win anything kicked long, facing it.
How to explain it
- Walk the shape through before the match: who stands where on their goal kick.
- Give the press a call word, so everyone goes together.
- Remind players about the retreat line in 5v5 to 9v9: on goal kicks we must stand behind it until the ball is received.
On the training pitch
- On your ownClose down and jockeyThe technique underneath it, with a ball and some space.
- The practiceWin it highThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The gamePlaying out from the goalkeeperA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- The pressing team scores double if it wins the ball in the end zone.
- Swap teams every five attempts.
Three things to say
- Hide one pass.
- Press from outside.
- Win it, then shoot early.
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 your position hide a pass?
- Did you press together with the others?
What to look back on
- How many times did we win it in their third?
- Who went too early?