Tactics / Build-up

Find the player between the lines

A pass that skips their midfield and finds a teammate in the space in front of their defence, able to turn and run at it.

In possessionFrom 9v9Match moment: Get past their midfield

BETWEEN THE LINES546109117GK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

One pass beats four or five players. Their defenders have to step out to stop the player turning, which opens space behind them.

What players do

  • The receiver finds a gap where the passer can see them: between two midfielders, in front of two defenders.
  • Check your shoulder before the ball comes, so you know if you can turn.
  • The pass is firm and along the ground, to the foot further from the defender.
  • If a defender steps out, someone runs into the space they left.

Common mistakes

  • Standing in line with a midfielder, where the pass will be cut out.
  • Receiving square-on and passing straight back.
  • A slow pass that gives the defender time to step in.

With young players

Use a three-zone game: a point for every pass into the middle zone that is received and turned.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: Long ball, then the second ball

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Start it short so their midfield is drawn up.
    • Start it short so their midfield is drawn up the pitch.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Look for the line-breaking pass first. Pass it firm.
    • Pass it firm, along the ground, into the gap.
    • Look for the gap before you take your touch.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Find the gap, check your shoulder, turn.
    • Stand in the gap between two of their players.
    • Check your shoulder before receiving and turn if free.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Pin the defenders so the space between the lines stays open; run when a defender steps out.
    • Stay high so their defenders cannot step up into the gap.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.