Tactics / Build-up

The inverted full-back

When we have the ball, a full-back steps inside into midfield instead of running down the wing. It adds a passer in the middle and guards against the counter.

In possessionFrom 11v11

A BOX OF FOURGK453268107
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

An extra player in the middle gives more short passing angles and outnumbers their midfield. If we lose the ball, that player is already in the middle, where counters start.

What players do

  • Only step in when we are settled in possession, not while the keeper is under pressure.
  • Stand beside the holding midfielder, facing forward, so a centre-back can pass to you.
  • The winger on your side stays wide: someone must still give the width.
  • When we lose it, you are already in front of the defence. Stop the counter first.

Common mistakes

  • Moving inside too early, so the keeper has no wide option when pressed.
  • The winger also comes inside, so nobody is wide.
  • Receiving with your back to goal in a crowd.

With young players

Older teams only. It needs players who can receive in a crowded midfield. Teach the half-turn first.

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: Find the player between the lines

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
    • Play into the centre-backs; the full-back will not be wide for you.
    • Pass to the centre-backs; the full-back is now inside.
    • Watch the space down the side for a long ball against you.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Full-back: step inside next to 6. Centre-backs: spread wider to cover the flanks.
    • Full-back: step in next to 6 and face forward.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Holding midfielder: make room by sliding over; the eights push higher.
    • 6: slide over to make room for the full-back.
    • 8s: push higher to the half-spaces.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Winger on that side: hold the touchline, you are the only width.
    • Striker: stay central to pin both centre-backs.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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