Futbol Island

11v11 lesson · Create the next opening · Intermediate

Use the Next Teammate

A third player helps when the direct pass is covered. You don’t need an extra pass when it’s already open.

What the coach says

  1. The player ahead is marked. A nearby teammate may help you get the ball there.
  2. The defender stays in the direct lane. Look for the shorter connection.
  3. What is the useful first pass here?
  4. Find the left teammate first. From there, the forward player is on a different passing angle.
  5. The left teammate passes on. A third player receives beyond the defender.
  6. Two clear passes took the ball around the blocked route.
  7. Return to the left teammate so we can compare the next picture.
  8. The left teammate has a clear first pass and a different angle to the forward player.
  9. Bring it back. Let’s see what changes when the defender chooses differently.
  10. The defender follows that short option this time. Check the direct route again.
  11. Do you still need the extra pass?
  12. Play straight to the forward teammate. The defender has left that lane.
  13. A third player helps when the direct pass is covered. You don’t need an extra pass when it’s already open.

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

    What is the useful first pass here?

    • Pass directly to the forward teammate
    • Pass to the left teammate first

    Coach’s explanation: The left teammate has a clear first pass and a different angle to the forward player.

  2. Question 2

    Do you still need the extra pass?

    • No—pass directly to the forward teammate
    • Yes—pass to the left teammate first

    Coach’s explanation: The defender moved out of the direct lane. You can connect with the forward player straight away.

  3. Question 3

    The left teammate has received your pass. What should happen next?

    • Dribble into the defender
    • Pass on to the forward player
    • Pass straight back to you

    Coach’s explanation: From the left, the forward is on a new angle, so the third player receives beyond the defender.

  4. Question 4

    The direct lane to the forward is blocked. Which picture shows the third-player route?

    • Left teammate first, then the forward
    • Pass back to the deeper midfielder
    • Pass straight to the forward

    Coach’s explanation: Two clear passes take the ball around the defender to the third player.

  5. Question 5

    Now the defender stands between the left teammate and the forward. Which pass is best?

    • Back to the deeper midfielder
    • Straight to the forward
    • To the left teammate first

    Coach’s explanation: The direct lane is open, so we don't need an extra pass.

Play it on the island