Futbol Island

11v11 lesson · Keep the team connected · Intermediate

Slide Across Together

Follow the danger as a group. Don’t leave a big gap for the next pass.

What the coach says

  1. The ball is wide. Your team needs to move across without leaving the middle empty.
  2. The carrier moves farther left. Slide across, but keep a teammate between the ball and goal.
  3. Which way should this midfield group adjust?
  4. A few steps left keeps your team connected. The middle still has cover.
  5. The ball is left, but the space in front of goal still needs protecting.
  6. Return the group to the middle, then compare the danger on the other side.
  7. The ball moves to the other side. Turn, check your teammates, and travel together.
  8. Where should the group move now?
  9. Slide right together. The far-side player comes in rather than staying alone out wide.
  10. Follow the danger as a group. Don’t leave a big gap for the next pass.

Quiz questions

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

  1. Question 1

    Which way should this midfield group adjust?

    • Shift a few steps toward the left
    • Shift toward the left touchline

    Coach’s explanation: The ball is left, but the space in front of goal still needs protecting.

  2. Question 2

    Where should the group move now?

    • Shift toward the left side
    • Shift toward the right side

    Coach’s explanation: The ball has moved right. Moving as a group closes that side without opening a large central gap.

  3. Question 3

    True or false? With the ball on the left, the midfield slides a few steps but still covers the middle.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: It's true. A short slide keeps the group connected, so a pass inside still meets a midfielder.

  4. Question 4

    The ball has switched to the right. Which midfield shape protects against the next pass?

    • All three midfielders go to the ball
    • Midfield slides right as a group
    • Midfield stays in its central spots

    Coach’s explanation: Sliding together puts help near the ball while the middle stays covered.

  5. Question 5

    The ball is on the right, but your left midfielder stayed out wide. Drag them where they help.

    • Sprint across to the ball
    • Stay wide on the left touchline
    • Tuck in toward the middle

    Coach’s explanation: Tucking in closes the gap beside the central midfielder, so a pass inside is covered.

Play it on the island