Tactics / Set pieces

Pass-ins and dribble-ins

In 5v5 and 7v7, the ball goes back in from the sideline with a pass or a dribble, and opponents must stand back. Use it: it is a free chance to attack.

Set piecesFrom 5v5Match moment: Take a quick throw-in

5 YARDS31011
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Defenders have to be 5 yards (about 4.5 m) away, and the taker can touch the ball again. A quick one-two or a dribble straight in beats the first defender.

What players do

  • Be quick: take it before they are set.
  • If the defender stands off to block the pass, dribble straight in.
  • One teammate comes short, one runs long.
  • A one-two with the short player gets the taker running into the pitch.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting, while the other team gets set.
  • Everyone standing next to the taker.
  • Passing it straight to the defender who is standing 5 yards away.

With young players

Only for under-11s and younger. You cannot score directly from a pass-in, so look for the next pass.

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: Free kick around the box

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.
    • Stay alert for a quick counter.
    • Take a pass-in yourself if it is near your box.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Often the taker. Be quick.
    • Be quick: take it before they set.
    • Pass or dribble in, whichever is on.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Come short for the one-two.
    • Check your shoulder before you receive.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Run long, so the defender has to choose.
    • If no one follows, you are free in behind.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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