Futbol Island

9v9 lesson · Restart and track · Intermediate

Track the Runner, Keep the Cover

Track movement away from the ball, then share the runner only when cover is ready.

What the coach says

  1. Blue has the ball on the left. Our left midfielder can approach; look away from the ball too.
  2. A runner travels behind our midfield toward the right channel.
  3. You are the right midfielder. The center defender is still protecting the middle.
  4. Which run protects the attacker moving behind midfield?
  5. Recover alongside the runner, staying nearer our goal.
  6. Blue keeps the ball across the field. The runner has not been left alone.
  7. The runner checks into the middle. Our center defender moves close and calls: I have the runner.
  8. The right midfielder can still protect the right channel. Check who is ready before sharing the job.
  9. Which teammate is best placed to take the runner in the middle now?
  10. The center defender tracks. The right midfielder keeps a separate covering position.
  11. See the runner, hear the teammate, then share the job. Do not leave a runner just because they cross the middle.

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 run protects the attacker moving behind midfield?

    • Move toward the teammate pressing left
    • Recover with the runner on the right

    Coach’s explanation: Recover goal-side of the runner. The left midfielder already handles the ball, so this protects a different threat.

  2. Question 2

    Which teammate is best placed to take the runner in the middle now?

    • The center defender
    • The right midfielder

    Coach’s explanation: The center defender is close, goal-side, and has called for the runner. The right midfielder can keep cover outside.

  3. Question 3

    A runner heads for the right channel. Tap where the right midfielder should recover.

    • Alongside the runner, nearer our goal
    • Step up in front of the runner
    • Toward the teammate pressing left

    Coach’s explanation: Alongside and nearer our goal, you can see the runner and still protect the goal.

  4. Question 4

    Put the runner hand-off in order, from first to last.

    • Center defender calls and takes over
    • Recover alongside, nearer our goal
    • Runner checks into the middle
    • Runner goes behind our midfield

    Coach’s explanation: See the run, recover with it, then share the job only after the call.

  5. Question 5

    True or false? With the center defender far away, the midfielder can leave the runner.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: It's false. No teammate is close and ready, so keep tracking the runner.

Play it on the island