Soccer Play Library

Split the centre backs, pull the press and break the first line through the six.

Teaches: Playing out under pressure with a spare player behind the ball.

Pass into the striker, set back to midfield and release the runner beyond the line.

Teaches: The third player is always the free player.

Winger holds width, full back overlaps outside and cuts the ball back to the edge.

Teaches: Creating a two-versus-one on the touchline.

Draw the block to one side, then switch through midfield to the free winger.

Teaches: Moving the opposition before you move the ball forward.

Win it in midfield and hit the striker in three passes before the block resets.

Teaches: Going forward within five seconds of winning the ball.

Driven corner to the near post with a flick-on and two runners at the back post.

Teaches: Attacking the first contact instead of waiting for the ball.

Delivery to the back post with a blocker holding the keeper's line.

Teaches: Winning the second ball when the first delivery is cleared.

Front player checks short, sets it back and the thrower receives the return down the line.

Teaches: Keeping the ball after every throw-in in the attacking half.

Winger stays wide, the full back runs inside him into the half space.

Teaches: Attacking the space between the full back and centre back.

Winger drops, striker pulls wide and the midfielder runs beyond — all three rotate.

Teaches: Disorganising a back four with movement instead of the ball.

Striker curves his run to force one side, then the whole unit squeezes to trap.

Teaches: Pressing as one — the first run decides where the ball goes.

Two banks of four holding the middle third, shifting together with the ball.

Teaches: Staying compact between the lines and pressing only on the trigger.

Defend the width of the box, deny the cut-back and clear long.

Teaches: Protecting the goal first and the space second.

Lose it, win it back within five seconds — nearest three players swarm the ball.

Teaches: The best moment to win the ball is straight after you lose it.

Back four steps together on the defender's call as the ball is played backwards.

Teaches: Stepping as a line, on one voice, at the right trigger.

Zonal wall across the six-yard box with two man-markers and a counter outlet.

Teaches: Attacking the ball in your zone rather than following a runner.

Front the near post, drop the far centre back and pick up the runner at the spot.

Teaches: Three jobs on every cross: near post, back post, penalty spot.

Lose the ball high: delay the first pass, everyone else sprints inside the ball.

Teaches: Recovering to the inside line, not chasing behind the ball.

Three against two on the touchline: press, cover and squeeze the far side across.

Teaches: Using the touchline as an extra defender.

Back pass is the trigger: strikers sprint, midfield jumps and the line pushes up.

Teaches: Recognising the moment to press instead of pressing all game.