In possession
Progression
Break the first line, then find the free man
01
Break the first line, then find the free man
Almost every academy says it wants to play out. Almost none of them train the specific moment it breaks down, which is not the first pass — it is the second one, after the press has arrived and the receiver is facing the wrong way.
- Nobody receives facing their own goal
- The third man is the outlet, not the pass
- The full-back releases, the centre-back invites
02
What to look for
- The body shape of the receiver
- Open before the ball leaves, not as it arrives. If they are adjusting on the ball, the pass was already too late.
- A deliberately slow first pass
- The centre-backs are inviting pressure, not escaping it. Playing quickly out of the back is usually playing scared.
- The third man moving before the second pass
- This is the whole principle. If the third man starts moving when the second pass is played, the practice has not worked.
03
How you know
WorkingThe second pass goes forward more often than sideways, and the goalkeeper stops being the busiest player in the build.
Not workingMore passes, same field position. A team can double its pass count and progress the ball less, and often does — the number goes up and the coach relaxes.
04
Sessions
05