Gafferbook
Set pieces · 11v11 4-3-3

Kick-off routines: starting with a plan

Kick-offs happen at the start of each half and after every goal, and most teams waste them. A simple plan gives you a good start: play it back to a midfielder, everyone else sprints forward, and the ball is switched long to a winger running in behind their full-back. Under the Laws of the Game the ball can be kicked in any direction at kick-off, so playing straight back is allowed.

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Step 1 of 4

Kick-off. Our striker plays it back; everyone else gets ready to go.

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

  1. Kick-off. Our striker plays it back; everyone else gets ready to go.
  2. Back to the central midfielder, as the wingers and striker sprint forward.
  3. Switch it long behind their full-back, where the space is at kick-off.
  4. Winger takes it in their stride; striker and midfielders attack the box.

When to use it

Every kick-off. Have one main routine and one variation.

Coaching points

  • Play it back to a central midfielder or centre-back with a good long pass.
  • Wingers and the striker sprint forward as the ball goes back.
  • Switch it long behind their full-back, where their defence is usually weakest at kick-off.
  • Midfielders follow up to win the second ball if it's headed away.
  • Agree the routine before the game and on the pitch before the whistle.

With younger players

With young players, keep the ball: kick-offs are a great time to practise a few passes calmly.

Who does what

PositionTheir job
Kick-off takersPlay it back.
Long passerSwitches it long into the channel.
WingersSprint in behind on the switch.
StrikerPins the centre-backs, attacks the near post.
MidfieldersFollow up for the second ball.

When they change it

If they…You…
Their full-backs drop deep at kick-offAim for the striker's head instead and win the knock-down.
They press the kick-off hardPlay it back to the keeper and go long.
They leave the middle openPlay forward into a midfielder and attack centrally.

Common mistakes

  • Everyone standing still after the kick.
  • Losing it straight away with a pass into a crowd.
  • Kicking long with nobody chasing.

At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11

7v7
Short and simple: back to a defender, then out wide.
9v9
Back to a midfielder, long to a winger.
11v11
The board: back to a central midfielder, switch long behind the full-back.

Drills to practise it

Switch across the back line

U11 to adult · 6 to 10 plus a keeper

Open the drill →

Long driven passing in pairs

U12 to adult · Pairs (whole squad)

Open the drill →

Long ball and the second ball

U12 to adult · 8 to 14 plus a keeper

Open the drill →

Lofted passes to target zones

U12 to adult · Pairs or threes

Open the drill →

Short to go long: switch through the pivot

U12 to adult · 6 to 10

Open the drill →

Questions coaches ask

Can the ball go backwards at kick-off?

Yes. Under the Laws of the Game the ball can be kicked in any direction at kick-off.

Can you score directly from a kick-off?

Yes, against the opponents, under the Laws of the Game.

What's the best kick-off routine?

One your team can do every time: back, long into a channel, and chase.

More tactics boards

With the ball

Route one

Direct play on an animated board: the long ball to a target, the flick-on or knock-down, and the runners who win the second ball. When it works.

Watch it →With the ball

Getting it wide

How to use the width of the pitch: pull the defence to one side, switch it quickly and attack the space with a 1v1 or 2v1. With roles, mistakes and drills.

Watch it →Set piece

Throw-in routine

Simple throw-in routines that keep possession: one checks short, one spins in behind, and the thrower steps back on to receive. No offside from a throw-in.

Watch it →

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