A false nine is a centre-forward who drops into midfield instead of staying up against the centre-backs. Their centre-backs face a choice. If one follows, there's space behind him for the wingers to run into. If neither follows, the false nine is free in midfield to turn and play. Either way, the opponent has a problem.
Step 1 of 4
Our striker is up against two centre-backs. Watch what happens when they drop.
Drawn for 11v11 4-3-3. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.
Step by step
Our striker is up against two centre-backs. Watch what happens when they drop.
Our nine drops between the lines. Their centre-back follows. The wingers get ready.
Into the nine's feet. They set it first time; the right winger runs into the space the centre-back left.
Through the gap.
When to use it
Against centre-backs who like to mark tight or who are uncomfortable stepping into midfield. Useful when your striker is a good passer rather than a target.
Coaching points
The striker drops into the space between their midfield and defence.
Wingers stay high and wide, ready to run inside into the space the centre-back leaves.
Play into the false nine's feet as they drop.
If a centre-back follows, the false nine sets it first time and a winger runs into the gap.
If nobody follows, the false nine turns and drives at the back line.
Who does what
Position
Their job
False nine
Drops, receives, turns or sets it.
Wingers
Run diagonally inside into the space behind.
8s
Join the attack into the box.
Defenders and 6
Find the false nine early.
When they change it
If they…
You…
Their holding midfielder sits on the false nine
Our 8 is free: play into them.
A centre-back follows
Wingers run into the space behind him.
Nobody follows
The false nine turns and attacks.
Common mistakes
Nobody running in behind, so the false nine has no forward pass.
The false nine dropping too deep, into the 6's space.
Wingers coming short too, so the back line has nothing to worry about.
At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11
7v7
A lone striker in a 2-3-1 who drops makes the same problem for two defenders.
9v9
In a 3-2-3, the striker drops and the wingers run in behind.
