Midfield cutting edge

BUILDING A SIMPLE MOVE

Introduce a simple, deliberate switch and pass between 10, 12 and 13. It used to be called Dummy Switch Pass, but we need to have the option for 10 and 12 to switch.

It has the following advantages.

• It only involves one pass, from 10 to 12 or from 10 to 13.
• There is decoy and deception with 12 being the leading holding player. If you run it with a switch first, the opposition will be deceived more if you run it the second time without the switch and vice versa.
• Angles of run are different and unpredictable for the defence.
• Because 10 is turned more towards 13, it is easier for 13 to take the ball running at full pace and therefore has more chance of getting through or past the defence. 10 is then in close support.

THREE OPTIONS

1. 10 switches with 12. 10 should go up and then turn as if going around the corner. 12 runs straight or at a slight angle back towards the source of the ball.
2. 10 dummies 12 and passes to 13. The 10 should make sure the ball is hidden from view from the opposition and 12 should be a credible option.
3. 10 dummies 12 and dummies to 13. The 10 then goes for the gap between the defenders, with 13 in close support.

13 has options to go wide and receive a longer pass or come in tighter and receive a short pass, all depending on what they see in front of them as regards the defence. 

It’s straightforward for the 10, after performing the dummy switch with 12, to weight their pass short or long as they see 13’s angle of run. 10 may also decide to hold onto the ball if they see the defender in front of them slide out onto 13. 

With younger players start with no opponents, then use tackle bags or poles as defenders. Finally set a challenge with three defenders and live tackling. It’s also good for the other players in your squad to practise this ploy. 

CREATE THE EXTRA PLAYER 

Again using 10, 12 and 13, create a “fourth” player by executing a loop between 10 and 12, and outwitting the defence.

10 immediately passes to 12, and slides behind and round them as 12 moves forward. 12 then returns the pass leaving 10 and 13 faced with one defender.

It is important that 10 goes forward first before passing to fix any defenders. 12 has to take the pass as if he is trying to burst through, again attracting defenders.

As 10 runs round on the loop, they accelerate and begins to angle their run forward, receiving the return pass from 12.

The loop can be described like a one-two or wall pass in football/soccer. 13 times their run so they are receiving the ball at  full pace. Again, they can see everything in front of them and can adapt their angle of run depending on the defenders.