Break The Line – Passing Behind Defenders  => Playing THROUGH

If we ask young players to IMAGINE a line that connects two other players, they can easily see this reference. Remember, their imagination is at a peak as children. We build the reference in a number of ways. First by moving through their group and breaking these imaginary lines, then by passing within a group and multiple soccer balls where they move into positions where the ball will break the line they imagine when it is passed to them, then we put this reference into games where they move behind lines connecting two defenders to receive passes.

Our focus is for them to look at more than just the ball, and at this point of their development, to look for two defenders (and the imaginary line between them).

– There is an imaginary line between two defenders (#4 & #5). As a player becomes visually aware of this they can take up a position (#3) for a pass behind this line instead of in front of the line. This will assist with their understanding of progressing forward (penetrative play) in the game.

– Players can be encouraged to begin on the line the back up as the ball travels toward them, thus receiving it behind the line (breaking the line) and behind the defenders.