Futbol Island

9v9 lesson · Read the spare option · Intermediate

A Return Pass Is a Choice

Time a support run and use the return only when the defender leaves its lane open.

What the coach says

  1. The passer has a teammate ahead and an opponent nearby.
  2. Pass around the opponent to the forward.
  3. The passer curves outside into a return lane.
  4. The forward checks the runner and the defender.
  5. Pass into the runner’s feet.
  6. Return to the forward while the lane is clear.
  7. The defender tracks across. The same return is harder now.
  8. The runner is still there. Look at the lane between them.
  9. Keep possession through the right midfielder.

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 choice uses the open lane?

    • Pass to the right midfielder
    • Return to the runner

    Coach’s explanation: The runner is beyond the pressure with a clear route from the forward.

  2. Question 2

    What should the forward do now?

    • Pass to the right midfielder
    • Return to the runner

    Coach’s explanation: The defender now covers the return. The supporting midfielder offers another route.

  3. Question 3

    You just passed to the forward. Where do you run for the return pass?

    • Curve outside, level with the forward
    • Run inside, near the defender
    • Stay where you passed from

    Coach’s explanation: Curving outside puts you in a lane the defender is not covering.

  4. Question 4

    The runner has the ball, and the lane back is clear. What happens next?

    • Dribble back toward our goal
    • Return it to the forward
    • Wait for the defender to arrive

    Coach’s explanation: The lane to the forward is clear now, so the return goes before the defender moves.

  5. Question 5

    True or false? The defender is back on the right, so the runner is open.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: It's true. With the defender back on the right, the return lane to the runner is clear again.

Play it on the island