What is a through ball in soccer?
A through ball in soccer is a pass played between or behind the defenders into open space, for a teammate to run on to. The pass goes where the runner will be, not to their feet, and the runner must be onside when the ball is played.
Other names: through pass.
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.
Through Ball: diagram
How to play a through ball
- The passer looks up and sees a gap between two defenders, or space behind them.
- The runner moves across the line first, then bends the run forward as the pass is played.
- The pass is firm enough to get through and soft enough that the goalkeeper cannot reach it first.
- The runner stays level with the second-last defender until the ball leaves the passer’s foot.
Common mistakes
- Running too early and being offside when the pass is played.
- Passing to feet when the runner is already moving, which stops the attack.
- Hitting it too hard, so it runs through to the goalkeeper.
In 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal
Offside matters for this pass in 7v7 (past the build-out line), 9v9 and 11v11. Futsal has no offside, so the same idea is a pass into the corner for a running teammate.
Questions about the through ball
What is the difference between a through ball and a long ball?
A through ball goes through or behind the defense for a runner, and can be short. A long ball is any long pass, often in the air.
How do you stay onside for a through ball?
Stay level with or behind the second-last opponent until your teammate plays the ball. Then run.
Who plays through balls?
Any player can, but attacking midfielders play many of them because they face the goal with runners ahead.
Lessons that teach it
- Run When the Pass Is On (11v11 lesson)Run when the pass is on, and leave as it is played so you stay onside (Law 11). If the pass is blocked, check toward the ball first.
- Parallel or Diagonal? (Futsal lesson)Choose a running route that is available, rather than following a fixed pattern.
- Can You Turn? (11v11 lesson)Look before the ball arrives. Turn when you have room; use your support when you don’t.
Related soccer terms
- Give-and-GoPass to a teammate, run past your defender and get the ball straight back. Also called a one-two or a wall pass.
- Third-Man RunA run by a third player who receives after two teammates pass between themselves. It reaches a player the first passer could not find directly.
- CounterattackA fast attack straight after winning the ball, before the other team can get back into shape.
- First TouchThe touch you take as the ball arrives. A good one puts the ball where you want to play next.
- 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.