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Our 10 stands between their lines and between two of their midfielders, checking their shoulder.
Drawn for 11v11 4-2-3-1. 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 10 stands between their lines and between two of their midfielders, checking their shoulder. The holding midfielder plays it firm through the gap. The 10 turns with one touch and has the whole back line in front of them. When to use it Whenever the other team defends in two lines. It's the main job of a number 10 and of 8s in a 4-3-3.
Coaching points Stand between their lines and between two of their players, not directly behind one. Check your shoulder before the ball arrives so you know if you can turn. The passer plays it firm, through the gap, to the receiver's back foot. Receive half-turned: one touch to face forward. If you can't turn, set it back and spin into the space. Who does what Position Their job 10 Lives between the lines, turns and plays forward. Double pivot Passes through the lines. Wingers Hold the width so the gaps between their players are bigger. Striker Pins the centre-backs so they can't step out.
When they change it If they… You… Their centre-back steps out to the 10 Play first time in behind for the striker. Their midfield drops deeper Our pivots have time: carry it into midfield. They mark the 10 tightly The 10 drags the marker away; a winger comes inside into the gap.
Common mistakes Standing directly behind an opponent, so the pass can't get there. Receiving square-on with no idea what's behind. A soft pass that lets the midfielder turn and intercept. At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11
7v7 The striker or a midfielder drops between their two lines.
9v9 In a 2-4-2 or 3-2-3, a midfielder plays in the gap.
11v11 The board: the 10 in a 4-2-3-1. See the full 11v11 4-2-3-1 formation guide for the shape, positions and drills.
Drills to practise it Questions coaches ask What does 'between the lines' mean? In the space between the opponent's midfield line and their defensive line.
Who should play between the lines? Your 10, 8s or a dropping striker: players who can receive under pressure and turn.
How do you get the ball between the lines? Firm passes through gaps, often after drawing a midfielder out with a sideways pass.
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