Tactics / Chance creation

The false 9

The striker drops into midfield. If a centre-back follows, there is space behind for the wingers to run into. If not, the striker is free to turn.

In possessionFrom 11v11

HOLE691178GK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Centre-backs like having a striker to mark. When the striker drops away, they must choose: follow and leave a hole, or stay and let the striker turn. Either choice helps us.

What players do

  • Drop into the space in front of the centre-backs as midfield has the ball.
  • If you are free, turn and run at them.
  • If a centre-back follows, lay it off first time; the gap behind is for the wingers.
  • Wingers start wide and run inside, into the space the centre-back left.

Common mistakes

  • The striker drops but the wingers stay wide, so nobody uses the space.
  • Dropping too deep, into our own defence.
  • Always dropping, so the defence never has to worry about a run in behind.

With young players

Good for teams without a big target striker. Every forward should learn when to drop and when to run.

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: Attack the half-space

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
    • Nothing new: start play as normal.
    • Start play as normal; look for the 9 dropping.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Look for the pass into the dropping 9.
    • Pass into the 9's feet when they drop.
    • Watch for the centre-back that follows.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Leave room in the middle for the 9 to drop into.
    • Run beyond when the 9 drops.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Striker drops; wingers run inside into the space left behind.
    • Striker: drop into midfield and turn if free.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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