Futbol Island

7v7 lesson · Beginner

One Forward: Be Close Enough to Help

In three-two-one, the only forward keeps a short passing connection with the two midfielders.

What the coach says

  1. Our keeper stays behind the team.
  2. Three defenders make our back line.
  3. Two midfielders play ahead of those defenders.
  4. One forward plays ahead of the midfielders. Our forward is a long way from the ball.
  5. The left midfielder has control. Our only forward can come nearer without running into a defender.
  6. Where can our forward make a reachable connection?
  7. Come nearer. The other midfielder keeps a different angle, and the defenders follow behind.
  8. The short pass reaches our forward. They have room to control it.
  9. Return it. Now the midfielder carries closer, so the forward does not need to keep coming back.
  10. The midfielder is closer now. Where can you help?
  11. Move ahead into the next gap. The midfield pair stays connected beneath you.
  12. The forward receives at a useful distance again. Come closer when the pass is too long; stay ahead when the midfielder can reach you.

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

    Where can our forward make a reachable connection?

    • Come nearer
    • Run farther ahead

    Coach’s explanation: Coming nearer shortens this passing distance without joining the defender. With one forward, your midfield pair needs that reachable connection.

  2. Question 2

    The midfielder is closer now. Where can you help?

    • Come nearer
    • Move ahead

    Coach’s explanation: A little more height keeps our only forward ahead while the pass is still short enough.

  3. Question 3

    True or false? Our forward is close enough for a short pass.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: It's false. The forward is too far away to reach.

  4. Question 4

    Put these moments in order, first to last.

    • Forward comes nearer to the ball
    • Forward moves ahead into the gap
    • Forward passes back, midfielder carries closer
    • Short pass reaches the forward

    Coach’s explanation: First the forward comes nearer, so the pass can reach.

  5. Question 5

    Now the right midfielder has the ball. Where can the forward help?

    • Behind the blue midfielder
    • Nearer, in the open gap
    • Stay far up the pitch

    Coach’s explanation: Nearer and open, so the short pass reaches the forward.

Play it on the island