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This is the 1-4-3-3 formation ( one Keeper, four defenders, three midfielders, three attackers) in it's 4-1-2-3 variation. This is a well-balanced formation in attack and defense, with two holding midfield players and one attacking midfielder.

We will refer to the US Soccer Numbering System so that everyone refers to the same position when using these numbers. For example, the defensive midfielder is always referred to as 6, and the left fullback is number 3.

We will have a dedicated center midfielder (6) in front of the back four defensive players (2, 3, 4, 5). The back four play zone defense. The two attacking midfielders (8, 10) can both be attacking-minded or one of them can be half-and-half, meaning they can have both defensive and offensive strengths. The three forwards (7, 9, 11) will line up as center forward and two very wide wingers.

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Components of Play

Technical

Passing and Receiving: Passing the ball on the ground with pace from different distances and receiving the ball while keeping it moving will be encouraged.

Shooting: Players must develop the ability to shoot from different distances. All players will be encouraged to shoot from any distance during the game.

Ball Control and Turning: Players will be encouraged to keep close control of the ball and use different turning techniques to move away from the defender.

Tactical

Playing Out From the Back: All teams must feel comfortable playing the ball from the back through the midfield and from there to the final quarter of the field.

Possession and Transition: All teams must try to keep possession of the ball playing a one-two touch game. Players will be encouraged to support and move, thus creating passing options. Once the possession game is consolidated, the team must learn how to transfer the ball in the most efficient way from one area of the field to another.

Quick Transition Offense-Defense: When possession of the ball is lost, players must react quickly and apply pressure to regain the ball. Once possession is regained, players will be positioned immediately to counter-attack.

Physical

Speed and Agility: These qualities should be evident in the game, and must be strenuously trained at practice.

Endurance: Individual players and teams will train to be resilient to high-intensity action.

Strength and Power: Strong players develop their speed more quickly, prevent injuries, and are more competitive in games.

Psychosocial

Effort: Giving your full energy, even when you're tired or things are hard.

Focus: Blocking out distractions and staying locked in on the task.

Competitiveness: Trying to win every moment, not just the scoreboard.

Communication: Using short, clear, helpful words to guide your team.

Cooperation: Working with others to help the team, not just yourself.

Respect: Treating teammates, coaches, opponents, and yourself the right way.

Discipline: Doing what’s right even when no one’s watching.

Coachability: Willing to listen, adjust, and learn from feedback.

Composure: Staying calm and in control, even under pressure or after mistakes.

Humility: Being confident without acting like you're above others.

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Principles of Play

Player Expectations

1, 2, or 3 touch maximums: Minimizing the number of touches improves the speed of play.
Keep the game simple: do not force a situation, over-dribble, or be careless with the ball.
Keep the ball on the ground: A ball on the ground is easier to control and can be moved more efficiently by the team.
Accuracy and quality of the pass: The pass must be firm and accurate, with the proper weight.
First touch: Make a clean, controlled first touch without stopping the ball. Take the touch away from pressure and into free space.
Perception and awareness: All players, with or without the ball should continuously scan the field.
1v1 situations: Encourage determination to regain control of the ball in defense and keep it simple in attack by taking a touch to the side, at speed, to beat the defender.
Individual Transition: Players must react quicly when possession changes from offense to defense and vice-versa.
Shooting: Always keep an eye on the goal. All players are encouraged to shoot.
Take risks: Soccer is an error prone sport and mistakes are part of the game and learning process. Players are encouraged to take risks in training sessions to increase the speed of play.

Team Expectations

All players attack and all players defend: All players must be involved in the game as a unit.
Numerical advantage: Soccer is a game of numbers, where we try to create a numerical advantage in attack and avoid being in a numerical disadvantage in defense.
Flow of the ball: The ball should flow from inside to outside, and outside to inside. Balls out wide are more secure and the ball in the middle increases options of play.
Triangle principle and passing options: The player in possession of the ball must receive constant support and have AT LEAST two passing options.
Speed of play: Quick movement of the ball creates 2v1 situations.
Movement of the ball: Find the best available space to create passing options for the player in possession f the ball.
Pressure as a unit: Organized pressure forces the opponent to commit errors.
Transition: Improve transition by reducing the number of passes needed to arrive at the target area or the opponent's goal.
Direction of the game: The game flows in two directions. Keep the essence of the game in the majority of practices.
Take initiative during the game: Team breakdowns will occur. The team must be capable of adapting to new situations and imposing its own style of play during the game.

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Principles of Strategy

Principle 1: Team Shape

Maintaining proper team shape creates passing opportunities, especially with a disorganized defense.

Team Shape- Bad Defense

<<< In this video, the LWE maintain good team shape, while the opponents all chase the ball. Notice how the LWE have multiple passing options AND have to work less than the defense who is chasing the ball.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Every time your team has the ball, you must spread out to make the field as big as possible. This is done by player 9 pushing up as high as possible, wingers 7 and 11 getting out as high and wide as possible, the back line dropping back, and the midfielders spreading into space in the middle. The team shape as shown in Figure 1, shows the right shape that makes the field as big as possible.

In Figure 2, the ball is with left defender 3. Notice how the winger 7 is still wide, and attacking midfielder 8 is still on the right side staying away from the ball and making the field big. Winger 7 and midfield 8 should resist the temptation to check towards the ball since this will create a congested midfield.

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Principle 2: Peel-Off and Open Body to the Field

All the players ahead of the ball should peel-off their opponent and open their body so they can receive the ball facing up-field. Players should avoid receiving the ball with their back to the goal if there is pressure on them. Move away from pressure and open body to at least a sideways-on posture.

These peeling-off runs are only three to eight steps performed with supreme speed and agility and body orientation to open the body to see the field and to create space for oneself to receive the ball. However, peeling-off is only necessary if a player is marked (being directly covered by an opponent) or if an opponent can intercept a pass to feet. Once the initial peeling movement is done to create space, the actual runs/pass can be made, depending on the opponents' reaction and adjustments. We cannot possess if players do not peel off. If our opponents adjust intelligently to the peeling off movement and stay compact and penetration is not possible, then the ball should continue to circulate around the field with accurate passing.

The grey indicates where the player was, the dashed arrow is their path of travel, the solid arrow is a pass.

Figure 3

Figure 3 shows a pass to feet after a correct peeling movement. Notice how the blue player moves laterally (left or right) and NOT straight to the ball or away from the ball.

Figure 4

Figure 4 shows a pass to space after peeling off correctly. Notice how the blue player's body is oriented after peeling off: they can see the field, the ball, and their opponent, and then makes a run behind their red opposition.

Peeling off passive defender

Peeling off active defender

Figures 5 and 6 below illustrate two scenarios and the recommended peeling-off movement of all the players ahead of the ball. The grey indicates where the player was, the dashed arrow is their path of travel, the solid arrow is a pass.

^Figure 5^

Player 6 has the ball.

^Figure 6^

Player 3 has the ball.

Player 9 can peel off or check towards the ball.

Peeling off figure 5

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Principle 3: Bending Runs

Whenever you make a forward run on the flanks (sides), bend your run towards the outside to create width and separate yourself from your opponent. Whenever you make a forward run in the middle of the field, bend your run to give the passer enough time to judge the pass, to open up a passing lane for a through-ball, and to avoid running into offside.

<<<This Figure shows how the player on the left flank bends his/her run to get even wider. This spreads out the opponents and creates a passing lane into the flank. Also, notice how the player in the middle who is standing with their back to the goal starts with a flat run and opens their body and then bends their run to get onto a through-ball. This flat run gives the passer time to see how the opponents react to the run, allows them to judge the pass, gives the passer more options and avoids the offside. The grey indicates where the player was before they moved, the dashed arrow indicates the direction of movement, the solid arrow indicates passing.

Bending runs

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Principle 4: Runs Trigger Runs-Awareness of Surroundings

Players need to look around them all the time to see where their teammates and opponents are. This will help players make the correct runs and will avoid players duplicating runs or running into the same area. For example, if you are an attacking midfielder 6 and you see that your center forward 9 is making a checking run towards the ball, you might decide to run into the space created by them and run onto a through ball behind the other teams defense. Another example is when a winger runs inside to make room for the fullback to overlap. Runs trigger other runs but for that to happen you must be constantly looking around you to assess your position in relation to your teammates positions.

<<<This Figure shows an example of a run that is triggered by another run. Solid arrows are passes, dashed arrows are player movement. Player 11 receives the ball from player 3. Player 9 checks towards the ball and player 10 sees the field and makes a run behind the back line for a through ball into the space created by player 9's run. You can see how the winger 11 has a couple of options: to combine with 9 or to play a through ball for 10.

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Principle 5: Diagonal Passes

Diagonal Passes are usually better than vertical passes. A diagonal pass allows the receiver to open his/her body and receive the pass facing up field. A diagonal pass accomplishes both penetration and switching all in one pass. A vertical pass is played into a player who is likely to be facing his/her own goal and have limted vision. If they are marked, a vertical pass is difficult to control. Avoid vertical passes to players who are marked tightly and look for the diagonal ball as often as possible.

<<<This Figure shows how the vertical pass is played to a player who has their back to goal and is limited in what they can do. The diagonal pass is easier to control because the receiver is in a sideways-on posture and can see the whole field.

Note: If you are checking towards the all with your back to goal, you should already know what you would do with the ball before you get it. Most likely, you should make a first time pass to a teammate rather than hold the ball.

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Principle 6: Back Passes are Usually Followed by a Switch

When a player makes a back pass, they are likely doing it because they do not see an option to play forward. It usually means that the area in front of the ball is too congested or your team is outnumbered in this area. For this reason, it is usually best to switch the ball into another area of the field. Another reason for a switch following a back pass is to sustain a rhythm of possession and increase the speed of play.

Of course, there are exceptions to this principle. For example, if the back pass is part of a combination play, like a wall pass or a back-through passing sequence to penetrate, it is ok.

Figures 7 and 8 below demonstrate the typical scenarios where a back pass should be followed by a switch. The switch can be a square ball or a diagonal ball. Either way, the key is to send the ball into another area of the field where we have a better chance of penetration.

^Figure 7^

^Figure 8^

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Principle 7: The Ball Doesn't Stay in one Area for Long

To maintain possession and not allow the other team to press and win the ball, we have to circulate the ball and move it constantly around the field. This makes us less predictable and it makes it harder for the other team to pin us down and press us with lots of players. As a rule of thumb, after a couple of short passes in one area, the next pass should be played out of the area.

<<<This Figure illustrates how the ball is circulated with a string of mostly diagonal passes from side to side and from back to front, never staying in the same area for too long. The solid arrows are passes.

Here the ball starts with right back 2 and by the fourth pass, it is with the left winger 11 and by the eighth pass, it is back on the right flank for winger 7. The ball does not stay in the same place for long, making it hard for the other team to press with numbers.

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Principle 8: Keepers Distribute Balls - Avoid the Long Punt

Since we emphasize playing out of the back, it is important for the keeper and the back line (defense) to become comfortable at playing out of the back. When the keeper catches a cross or a shot, the team should spread out quickly so the keeper can throw the ball to a free player. On goal kicks, the keeper should look to play the ball to feet rather than send everyone up and take a long high kick. Figures 9 and 10 show how the team should be positioned on a goal kick to make the field big and give the keeper some options for a pass.

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 9 shows the preferred shape, with defenders 4 and 5 spread to the corners of the penalty area and the outside backs 2 and 3 pushed up and wide and the rest of the team pushed up. This player separation and team shape needs to form within seconds of our keeper having possession of the ball.

Figure 10 shows how the defenders 4 and 5 can drop down to receive the ball if the other team is pressing them like the red opponents are in this example.

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Principle 9: Use Throw-Ins to Switch the Point of Attack

Use the throw-in to switch the point of attack since the opposing team has most of their players squeezed into the area near the throw-in. This means that there is lots of space on the other side of the field. Avoid throwing the ball down the line into a crowd since it usually results in loss of possession

<<<This Figure shows how the back line can drop deep to receive the ball and switch it, or the midfielders can check away to create space and then check to the ball to receive it and switch.

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Tactical Roles: Squads and Positions within a Soccer Team

DEFENSIVE SQUAD: Role of the Goalkeeper (1)

The goalkeeper's role in building up from the back is to work with the back line in possession. The keeper should help the back line maintain possession and switch the point of attack when the team is under pressure. The keeper should always be available for a back pass and should move laterally (to the left or right sides) to give a safe passing option and communicate thieir availabilty. The goalkeeper can pass to midfielders or even forwards if they have the passing range. It does not have to be limited to just finding defenders.

When the keeper catches a cross or stops a shot, they need to quickly assess the passing options and pass it to someone who has the time and space to control the ball and maintain possession or start a counterattack. Punting the ball is not recommended- they must learn to pass the ball rather than launch it high and long.

Figure 11

Passes to and from the goalkeeper

Figure 11 shows a typical though ball being chased by the central defender who should be encouraged to play the ball back to the keeper. The goalkeeper can then play the ball wide to maintain possession and give them team some breathing time to open up into an attacking shape.

Figure 12

Support the attack

In Figure 12, the blue team is applying high pressure and the right full back should have the option to play the ball to the keeper who can then switch the point of attack.

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DEFENSIVE SQUAD: Role of the Back Line (2, 4, 5, 3)

The role of the back line in possession is to support the ball and always be available for a back pass. The back line needs to work as a cohesive unit. When one defender gets the ball, the other three defenders need to open up and spread out to form a bowl shape that is far away enough from opponents to be safe in possession.

The pace of the passes needs to be at a high tempo, otherwise opponents have time to adjust. The high speed of play needs to be maintained with one touch control and second touch to pass a crisp accurate pass. If one of the central defenders in the chain can be bypassed with a longer pass, even better.

It is impossible to maintain possession for long periods without the help of the back line. The back line's role in possession is to make the field as big as possible by dropping back and keeping the ball long enough for the rest of the team to transition to an attacking shape. Don't just stand there and watch the ball- DROP BACK TO RECEIVE A BACK PASS.

Figure 13

Back line drops off

In Figure 13, the defensive midfielder is under pressure and that is the visual cue for the defenders to back pedal and spread out so they can receive the ball a safe distance from opponents.

Figure 14

Pass across the back line

Once the back line receives a back pass they should keep the ball by passing it among themselves as shown in Figure 14. This sequence allows the rest of the team the time to spread out and regain an attacking shape.

The pass from central defender 5 to the left fullback 3 also acts as a baiting pass that invites the opposing team to shift over to the left, which creates space on the right. Player 3 can then initiate a quick switch to the right, either through the back line or via the midfield.

The central defenders (4, 5) should not just pass back and forth to each other. Instead, they should continue the sequence and pass it to the outside fullback to force the opponents to adjust. It also triggers a rhythm of possessions with the ball moving sideline to sideline until it is appropriate to go forward.

Figure 15

Center backs (4, 5) drop off

The central defenders (4, 5) should learn to anticipate when opponents are likely to press the ball. For example, a pass from 5 to 3 could trigger a press by the opponents. Players 4 and 5 should get into the habit of immediately dropping deep after passing to player to 2 or 3. This is shown in Figure 15. Player 3 can then play a first time ball back to player 5 if they anticipate a press rather than risk losing it.

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MIDFIELD SQUAD: Role of the Defensive Midfielder (6)

The role of the defensive midfielder is to always be available for a pass no matter who has the ball. When the back line has the ball, the number 6 moves laterally (left or right, not front to back) to support. As the ball is passed from defender to defender, the number 6 follows the ball with their movement. When the ball is played to wide players or to attacking midfielders (8 or 10), the number 6 is supporting from behind. The 6 rarely goes ahead of the ball and is always available underneath the ball. This provides immediate relief for teammates under pressure.

The defensive midfielder will execute a lot of ball switching from flank to flank and will play a crucial role in creating a rhythm of possession. They will be the focal point of the build up from the back and will dictate the tempo of the ball circulation.

Figure 16

Move laterally to support

In Figure 16, the number 6 supports the left defender. Note their position square to the left of the fullback facing upfield. If they get the ball from the left defender, they can switch the point of attack if givven the space, or play it back to a central dfender if under pressure. After switching the ball, they should quickly shift over, follow the ball, and be available to receive it again if the need arises. Therefore, the number 6 position requires lots of lateral (left/right, sideline-to-sideline) movement.

Figure 17

Switch the point of attack

In Figure 17, the number 6 supports the left winger number 11 in case they cannot play the ball forward. Note the number 6's position underneath the ball, at an angle inside, with their body open to the field. They are not too close to the ball, so if they get the ball, the have the space and time to switch it quickly to the right flank.

Quite often, the defensive midfielder gets too close to the ball and is not detached enough to be a safe option. They need to stay in the space in front of the back line, away from the crowded area near the ball, so that when the get the ball, they are not under immediate pressure and can switch the point of attack.

WRONG! The 6 is too close to the ball and an opponent to have the time and space to support.

RIGHT! The distance between the 6 and the ball is ideal. Plenty of time and space.

WRONG! This is the incorrect angle of support. There are too many opponents between the 6 and the ball.

RIGHT! This is a good angle of support, with the 6 being "underneath" the ball.

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MIDFIELD SQUAD: Role of the Attacking Midfielders (8, 10)

The attacking midfielder's main role in the possession build up is to offer the back line (2, 3, 4, 5) and the defensive midfielder (6) passing options for penetration into the middle third. Players 8 and 20 should make themselves as high up the field as possible so that a pass to them penetrates behind the other team's midfield. The positioning of players 8 and 10 is crucial for maintaining the correct team shape and control of the midfield. The three midfielders' (6, 8, 10) movements need to complement each other and maintain the right balance of possessions and penetration in their spacing and support angles.

The other important role for players 8 and 10 is to support the wingers and the center forward whenever they receive balls. Players 7, 9, and 11 will most likely be under pressure when controlling passes and will need immediate support. Players 8 and 10 must offer this support by constantly moving laterally across the field so that one of them can be available for a short pass.

Figure 18

WRONG! Attacking midfielders are crowding the space

In Figure 18, players 8 and 10 came too close to the ball, making it too crowded and hard to break pressure. They have their back to the goal and they do not see the field. Their position makes it difficult to pass the ball to the center forward. Better positioning is shown below.

Figure 19

RIGHT! Attacking midfielders are sideways-on with good distance and angles of support

In Figure 19, number 8 and 10's positions are much better. Midfielder 10 is sideways on and can see their center forward (9) and winger (7 or 11). Midfielder 8 is also facing up field by peeling off, giving them better vidion. The left defender (5) is now able to find both players as well as the number 9 with a pass that opens up the game.

Figure 20

RIGHT! Attacking midfielders are sideways-on with good distance and angles of support

Figure 20 shows another example of poor positioning by players 8 and 10, with them being too close to the ball and with their backs to the goal. Figure 21 shows a better balance in the midfield.

Note that if the situation in Figure 20 ever occurs, the best option for defender 5 is to bypass the midfield and pass directly to the center forward 9 since that is where the space is.

Defender 5 could drop the ball into the space behind the opponent's midfield for forward 8 to check into and receive.

Figure 21

RIGHT! Attacking midfielders open to the field and support is high.

There is better midfield balance with Figure 21, with number 10 and 8 holding a higher position, but peeling off and opening the body to the field. Note the staggered positions of the attacking midfielders in relation to forwards 7, 9, and 11. All five of them can be reached with a pass.

The attacking midfielders can use intelligent positioning to help break out of high pressing opponents. In Figure 21 and Figure 22, the red team is pressing the ball and the blue team uses the attacking midfielders to switch the point of attack against high pressure.

Figure 22

Breaking out of pressure using the attacking midfielder (8) or a central defender 5.

In Figure 22, the blue team breaks pressure by finding the attacking midfielder, either directly or through the central defender 5. Even if the attacking midfielder is marked and did not peel off, they can be used like a "rebounding wall" that re-directs the ball to the overlapping defender 2. The same idea is used below.

Figure 23

Breaking out of pressure using the 8 and the defensive midfielder 6

In Figure 23, the same idea is used with the supporting help of midfielder 6 who plays the ball to winger 7, while defender 2 overlaps to create penetration. Most times, the diagonal ball to the blind side attacking midfielder can be effectively used to break pressure, provided the midfield shape is similar to that shown.

The key point for the attacking midfielders is to spread out instead of being sucked in toward the ball, and open their body by peeling off so they can see everyone. Only then will they be able to make good decisions about where to move and what to do with their first touch when receiving the ball.

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ATTACKING SQUAD: Role of the Wingers (7, 11)

The role of the wingers in building out from the back is to stretch the field and make it as big as possible by pushing as far up as possible and staying wide against the sidelines. By doing that, it gives the midfielders more space to peel off, control and pass the ball. In addition, when the wingers stay wide, the opponents' back line is stretched across the width of the field, leaving gaps for penetration.

Once the wingers get wide, they need to read the visual cues as to how they can help maintain possession. They need to read the pressure on the ball to decide how to adjust their positioning.

Figure 24

Desired positioning of the wingers

Figure 24 shows the desired positioning of the wingers (7 and 11) when our defenders have the ball. The wingers are wide and high. Note the body position of the wingers, open to the field, with the ability to see the whole field. This open body vantage point allows them to decide whether they should run forward or drop back. It also tells them how high they can push without running into offside.

Figure 25

Movement of the wingers to give the 6 options

In Figure 25, defensive midfielder 6 has the ball and is under pressure. The wingers need to decide whether they should drop down the line to offer wide support angles and be available for a pass to feet, or whether they should run behind the opposing back line for a pass into space. It also depends on what the fullback does since often the fullbacks can step up into midfield to offer a wide support option. In fact, it is usually more desirable for the fullback to step up then for the winger to drop back. If the wingers drop back, the team shape becomes more like a 1-4-5-1 and it becomes harder to get out of the half. Either way, someone needs to get into the flank spaces and be available for an easy outlet pass to relieve pressure.

One tendency of our wingers is to play too narrow. They tend to move inside toward the center forward when the ball is on the other side when the ball is in their half as shown in Figure 26, or when the ball is on the other side as shown in Figure 27. Narrow wingers actually help the other team defend more compactly and makes it harder to switch the point of attack. It also means that all three forwards offer exactly the same passing option, namely a pass to a player with their back to the goal. The two figures below show the wrong positioning that our wingers often take.

Figure 26

Wingers positioned too narrow in the central channel

Figure 27

Wingers positioned too narrow to ne flank and the central channel

Our wingers need to stay wide, stretch the other team, open their body and be ready to make penetrating runs or receive the ball to feet. Of course, there will be situations where the winger can choose to run inside to create space for the overlapping fullback, but such a run must still start from an initially wide position. Therefore, the starting position should always be wide and from there, based on the play and what the fullback does, the winger can decide the best move.

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ATTACKING SQUAD: Role of the Center Forward (9)

The role of the center forward when the team is building up from the back is to stretch the field, give the team depth, and be available as a target. The number 9 can do that by staying as high as possible, in line with the last defender, and being ready to check for a penetration pass from the back line or the midfield.

Figure 28

Movement of #9 as the back line plays the ball

Figure 28 shows the movement of the number 9 as the back line circulates the ball. The number 9 should keep their movement within the central area and leave the flanks for the wingers.

Figure 29

Center forward showing for an outlet pass

In the initial stages of the build-up, when the ball is still with the back line, the number 9 should hold their high position and not get involved with the build up. By staying high, they can helps make the field big and gives the midfield more space in which to operate. If needed, they can serve as an outlet pass when the opponents are trying to press the ball. Figure 29 shows such a moment, when the other team is pressing high, which opens up space behind their midfield, making a pass to the feet of the number 9 as a good option to break pressure.

The number 9 should resist the temptation to check toward the ball too early and too deep into the midfield. This will destroy the depth and crowd the midfield. The ideal scenario is for the number 9 to get the ball behind the other team's midfield.

Figure 30

WRONG! #9 does a checking run instead of staying deep

Figure 30 shows the wrong way to check for the ball. The checking run is too deep into midfield. A pass to the forward does not achieve any penetration.

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Offensive Tactics

Build Up From Goal Kicks

The goalkeeper should be encouraged to play out of the back and booting the ball turns the situation into a 50/50 ball at best. Instead, we need to work on safe ways for the keeper to pass the ball out of the back.

Figure 31

Ideal goal kick scenario

Figure 31 shows the ideal scenario, with the back line spread out as shown and the goal keeper simply finds one of the central defenders (4 or 5), Note how high the fullbacks 2 and 3 are located. This situation is possible and desirable if the other team drops backs and allows the keeper to pass to number 4 or 5.

However, opponents will often decide to press and not allow the keeper an easy pass to a defender. In Figure 32, the red team is marking the blue defenders. A simple way to give the goalkeeper passing options is for central defender to drop into the flank.

Figure 32

Central defender drops off

Figure 32 shows defender number 4 dropping into the right flank. If the oppoenent does not follow them, the keeper can pass it to number 4. If the opponent follows them, this opens up a passing lane to wide defender 2. Another option is for the defensive midfielder 6 to drop into the space between 4 and 5 to get a pass if they are not followed by an opponent.

Figure 33

Central defenders in deep positions

A less desirable but still acceptable team shape on goal kicks is shown here in Figure 33. Here, central defenders 4 and 5 take up deeper positions on the flank to escape pressure and receive an easy ball from the goalkeeper. This option can also help the keepers who might not have a long passing range. If the opposing winger follows defender 4 as shown in Figure 34, this will open up passing lanes to player 2 or 7, or to defensive midfielder 6.

Figure 34

Pressure on the right back opens other passing options

If the keeper plays the ball to defender 4 in Figure 34, and the opposing winger closes them down, defender 4 can play the ball back to the keeper who can then play it to player 2, 7, or 6, or switch play toward player 5 on the left. The danger of this shape is that the team will find it hard to get out of their half if opponents press aggressively. If wingers 7 and 11 drop into midfield to offer support, the team shape becomes more like 1-4-5-1 rather than 4-3-3 and it is hard to get out of the half.

Figure 35

Good movement to support the goal kick

When our defenders receive the ball from the keeper, the midfielders need to spread out and peel off opponents and open their bodies to the field. Defensive midfielder 6 has a crucial role to play in such moments. Figure 35 shows what should happen when defender 4 gets the ball from the goalkeeper. Note how the defensive midfielder 6 peels off by moving away from their opponent and supporting the ball from a deep position between the two center backs. Their body is open to the field so they can see everything. Note also that defender 5 stays on the left side and leaves the space between then and the defender 4 open, so that player 6 can use it to their advantage.

At the same time, the attacking midfielders 8 and 10 also peel off their opponent and adopt a sideways stance that allows them to see the field. It is crucial for the midfielders to spread out and open their body so they can see each other and all of the options open to them, should they get the ball.

Figure 36

WRONG! Incorrect movement to support the goal kick

Figure 36 shows what our players tend to do in such cases, namely ball watch and check toward the ball and congest the area and have no vision of the field. If the midfielders in Figure 36 get the ball, they will likely lose it because there is no space to control the ball and they do not know where their teammates are. Note also that defender 5 tends to move toward defender 4, thus closing the space between them and not leaving midfielder 6 any room to drop. Also, note how winger 11 moves inside toward the ball. All these movements condense the field and make it even more difficult for our players to pass the ball out of pressure.

It is important to note the difference between the movement in Figure 35 and Figure 36 above. In Figure 35, the peeling off movement of player 6 opens up the game and opens up the possibilities. In Figure 36, the checking runs of all the players toward the ball clogs up the game and closes the door to penetration.

Another trick to use to build out from the back on goal kicks is to pretend tbhat the goalkeeper is going to kick it long, have the back line push up in anticipation of a long punt, at the last second have player 4 or 5 drop quickly, and receive a short pass from the keeper. At that moment, the rest of the team will have to immediately open up, spread out, and peel off opponents so the defender can find support easily, and build up.

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Throw-Ins

Our team need to learn to use the throw-in to switch the point of attack. Most of the time, the opposing team will shift many players to defend the throw-in and this creates a lot of space on the opposite side. Rather than throw the ball down the line into a melee of players, it is much better to maintain possession by switching the point of attack.

Figure 37

Square throw-in to set up a play across the back

Figure 37 shows what can be done on a throw-in. The defenders 4 and 5 drop back a safe distance from opponents and can receive a quick throw-in and switch. Another option is for player 6 to check away to create space and check back to receive a throw and play it back to the thrower who can then switch the point of attack using the back line.

Figure 38

Throw back deep to switch the point of attack

Figure 38 shows another option. If the opposing forward marks our player 4, the thrower can throw to player 5 who can then switch play.

Either way, every time we have a throw-in, the defenders should automatically drop back deep to create space for themselves as well as space for the midfielders and from that action alone, it should be easier to find a safe option. The problem often is that our defenders do not drop enough and it is not safe to throw the ball to them. They need to develop a "feel" for how deep to drop in order to receive a throw-in without coming under immediate pressure.

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