Tactics / Chance creation

The cut-back

Get to the byline, then pull the ball back along the ground to a teammate arriving around the penalty spot.

In possessionFrom 5v5Match moment: Make a chance from the wingMatch moment: Take a cornerMatch moment: Defend the cut-back

CUT-BACK ZONE79108GK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Defenders running back towards their own goal cannot face the ball and the runner at the same time. A ball pulled back moves away from them, onto the attacker's foot.

What players do

  • Get as close to the byline as you can before passing.
  • Look up: who is arriving? Pass to the space, not the crowd.
  • Runners hold back, then arrive late around the penalty spot and the edge of the box.
  • Finish first time, along the ground, across the keeper.

Common mistakes

  • Crossing high and hopeful when a ground pass was on.
  • Every runner going to the six-yard box, so nobody is in the cut-back zone.
  • Taking a touch before shooting, so a defender blocks it.

With young players

The best way to score without heading, so perfect for under-11s and younger. Count cut-back goals in games.

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: Run in behind

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
    • Stay set for the counter; organise the players left back.
    • Stand on the edge of your box: a cleared cut-back comes back fast.
    • Keep two players marking their quickest forwards.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Full-backs: get to the byline when the winger is inside.
    • Look up before the cut-back: where are the runners?

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Arrive late at the edge of the box, not early in the crowd.
    • Arrive late at the penalty spot or the edge of the box.
    • Hit it first time, low and across the keeper.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • One run to the near post to drag defenders; one to the penalty spot.
    • Far side: arrive late at the back post.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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