Match moments / We have the ball
Through on goal
The run that stays onside, the teammate who sprints to support, and the pass across the keeper. Most chances are lost by one of the three.
In the match
- Decision 1Striker
- Decision 2Winger
- Decision 3Striker
You are 9, our striker.
You are near the last defender. When do you run?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
Level when the pass is played means onside. A curved run keeps you onside and takes you in behind.
It can work
You get the ball, but with your back to goal and both defenders in front of you.
Costly
You are past the defenders when the pass is played, so you are offside.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 11, on the far side.
9 is through, with the defenders chasing. What do you do?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
Now 9 has a pass as well as a shot, and the keeper cannot cover both.
It can work
Too slow to help. 9 is on their own.
Costly
9 has nobody to pass to, and the defenders catch up.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 9, with the ball.
Their keeper rushes out. 11 is arriving level with you. What do you do?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
The keeper has committed to you. One pass across and 11 has an open goal.
It can work
It can go in, but the keeper is close and big. The pass was the surer chance.
Costly
With the keeper already close and 11 free, going round them is the hardest option.
How you know it is happening
- Their defenders are high, with space behind.
- A teammate on the ball is about to look up.
- You are near the last defender.
Why it works
Offside is judged when the pass is played, so the run starts level and finishes in behind. A second runner gives the striker a choice, and a keeper who commits to one player cannot cover the other.
The tactics behind it
Your job, by position
- STStriker
- Stay level with the last defender until the passer looks up.
- Curve your run to stay onside.
- If the keeper commits, pass across.
- CMCentral midfielder
- Look up early.
- Pass into the space, not to feet.
- WWinger and wide midfielder
- Sprint in level with the striker, never behind the ball's line.
- DMHolding midfielder
- Stay behind the ball in case it breaks down.
How to explain it
- Teach offside with two cones and a line: level is onside.
- Play 2v1 against a keeper with a "must pass if the keeper comes" rule.
- Celebrate the unselfish pass.
On the training pitch
- On your ownStrike the cornersThe technique underneath it, with a ball and some space.
- The practice1v1 with the goalkeeperThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The game3v2 to goalA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- Offside in the final third.
- A goal from a pass across the keeper counts double.
Three things to say
- Level, then go.
- Two runners.
- If the keeper comes, pass.
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 were you caught offside?
- Did you support the runner?
What to look back on
- Did our 1v1s with the keeper end in goals or saves?