How Passing Back Creates Space For Attackers

Sometimes you need to get your players to pass back so they can advance forward. In the first of a two-part guide to passing back we look at how to pass into a target man.

Key coaching tip: Get your attackers to check back when they are being marked

Playing the ball up to a target man is a great way to open up defenses. You need to coach your target man to lose his marker by cutting back infield drawing the defenders to him. By playing a one-two with one of his team mates he can then split defenses and create space in the attacking area.

Creating a 3v2 situation

If you look at the diagram below, the simple pass back from the striker has created space for the ball player and the right winger. The midfield passer is past his marker and has moved into a 3v2 situation.

Hitting the target man opens your options

* Practice getting your midfield players to pass the ball to a target man - one of your attackers in the middle of the opposition defense. Play it into the attacker’s path as he moves across the defensive line.
* The attacker is surrounded by defenders with no space to play into, so he has to seek other options to create space.
* This is countered by getting your attacker to play a ball back to the midfielder who has moved wide to escape the defenders.
* In the diagram you can see how the defenders have moved to block the attacker, and a quick one-two has opened the defense up bringing other players into the attack.