Tactics / Build-up

Use the keeper to switch

When one side of the back line is pressed, pass back to the goalkeeper and let them switch the ball to the free side.

In possessionFrom 5v5Match moment: Beat the pressMatch moment: Go round themMatch moment: Our goal kick

PRESSEDGK45326
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

The keeper is our spare player. Their forwards cannot press the keeper and both centre-backs at once, so one defender is always free.

What players do

  • The keeper stands where both centre-backs can pass back safely, a few metres off the line.
  • Pass back to the keeper's stronger foot, away from the forward.
  • The keeper looks at the far side before the ball arrives.
  • The far centre-back drops wider and deeper, to make the angle easy.

Common mistakes

  • A slow back pass that lets the forward close the keeper down.
  • The far defender standing still, behind a forward.
  • The keeper picking up a deliberate back pass from a teammate's foot: an indirect free kick.

With young players

Perfect for 5v5 and 7v7, where the retreat line gives time. Keepers who can pass are worth their weight in goals.

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: Rotate on the wing

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
    • Be available behind both centre-backs. Two touches: control, then switch.
    • Stand where both centre-backs can see you.
    • Two touches: control towards the free side, then pass.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Pass back firmly; the far defender drops wider for the switch.
    • Pass back firm; do not leave it short.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Show on the free side to receive the next pass.
    • Face forward when you receive.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Stay high; the switch will look for you.
    • Stay high so the long switch is an option.
    • Far winger: stay wide.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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