Tactics / Chance creation

Run in behind

The striker waits on the shoulder of the last defender, then runs into the space behind as a teammate looks up to pass.

In possessionFrom 9v9Match moment: Get past their midfieldMatch moment: Take a quick throw-inMatch moment: Through on goalMatch moment: Go over themMatch moment: The second ball

OFFSIDE LINE891110GK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Defenders facing their own goal are slow to turn. A well-timed run and a pass into space beat the whole back line at once.

What players do

  • Stand on the shoulder of the last defender, where they cannot see you and the ball at the same time.
  • Curve your run across the line, so you stay onside and keep running towards goal.
  • Go when the passer looks up with the ball under control, not before.
  • The pass goes into space ahead of the runner, weighted so the keeper cannot reach it.

Common mistakes

  • Running too early and being caught offside.
  • Running in a straight line, so the defender just turns and follows.
  • A pass to feet, when the space was behind.

With young players

There is no offside in 7v7 and younger, but the timing still matters. In 9v9, learn to curve the 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: The false 9

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
    • If you have it, look for this pass early, before their defence drops.
    • Kick it into the space, not to the striker.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Look for the striker's run when you have time on the ball.
    • Pass over or through, into the space behind.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Look up early; disguise the pass.
    • Pass the moment the run starts.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Stay on the shoulder; curve the run; go on the passer's look.
    • Stay on the shoulder of the last defender.
    • Curve your run to stay onside.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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