Tactics / Chance creation

Draw a defender, then pass

With two against one, carry the ball at the defender until they commit to you, then pass to your free teammate.

In possessionFrom 5v5Match moment: We have just won itMatch moment: Through on goalMatch moment: The keeper starts the counterMatch moment: Three against two on the break

COMMITTED1011GK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

A 2v1 is only an advantage if the defender has to choose. Pass too early and they just shuffle across. Carry it at them and they must come to you, which frees your teammate.

What players do

  • Run straight at the defender, not sideways.
  • Watch their feet: when they step towards you, they have committed.
  • Pass into the space ahead of your teammate, so they keep running.
  • If the defender stays with your teammate, keep going and shoot.

Common mistakes

  • Passing straight away, so the defender is never committed.
  • Running towards your teammate, which squeezes their space.
  • Always passing, even when the defender has gone with the teammate.

With young players

The single most useful attacking decision for young players. Play 2v1 to a goal and praise the decision, not just the goal.

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: Press their goal kick

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
    • Defending a 2v1: stay big and wait for the decision.
    • Do not come out too early.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • If you are the one defender, delay and show them to one side.
    • Back off until help arrives.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • As the ball carrier: drive at the defender.
    • Drive at the defender, not away.
    • Pass the moment they commit to you.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • As the free runner: keep your distance and stay level or ahead.
    • Stay level or just ahead of the ball carrier.
    • Keep your distance so one defender cannot cover both.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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