What is a cutback in soccer?
A cutback in soccer is a pass from near the goal line back toward a teammate who is arriving in front of the goal. Defenders are running toward their own goal, so the space just behind them is open for a shot.
Other names: cut-back, pull-back.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Cutback: diagram
How to play a cutback
- The wide player dribbles toward the goal line, which pulls the defenders back toward their goal.
- A teammate arrives late around the penalty mark instead of standing next to the goal.
- The pass goes back along the ground, away from the goalkeeper.
- The shot is taken first time if possible, before the defenders can turn around.
Common mistakes
- Every attacker running to the goal line, so nobody is in the space for the cutback.
- Crossing into a crowd when the pass back is free.
- Playing the cutback when a defender is already standing in that route. It is useful only when the pass is there.
In 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal
It works the same way in 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11. In futsal it is a favorite play from a corner kick: a near-post run pulls a defender and the ball is cut back to a deeper player.
Questions about the cutback
What is the difference between a cutback and a cross?
A cross goes into the area in front of the goal, often in the air. A cutback goes backward along the ground to a player arriving behind the defenders.
Why do cutbacks lead to goals?
The defenders are facing their own goal and moving backward, and the shooter is facing the goal and moving forward.
Can you be offside from a cutback?
Not if you are behind the ball when it is passed. A player level with or behind the ball is not in an offside position.
Lessons that teach it
- Look Behind the Defenders (11v11 lesson)Find the teammate, then check the route. A cut-back is useful only when that pass is there.
- Corner: Read the Cutback (Futsal lesson)Choose a corner delivery from the defender’s position, then read the next pressing movement.
- Arrive at the Far Post (Futsal lesson)Time support across goal, and keep another option when that route is covered.
Related soccer terms
- CrossA pass from a wide area into the space in front of the goal.
- OverlapA run around the outside of the teammate who has the ball, to make two attackers against one defender on the side of the field.
- 2v1Two attackers against one defender. The player with the ball dribbles at the defender, then passes if the defender comes or keeps going if they do not.
- Set PieceA restart with the ball standing still: a free kick, corner kick, throw-in, goal kick, penalty kick or kick-off.
- All soccer terms, A to Z92 soccer words in plain English, from advantage to yellow card, 18 with a diagram
- Soccer rules for kids16 rules explained for kids, each with a diagram: offside, handball, throw-ins and more
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.