Break the Defensive Line and Shoot

Two strikers combining with a midfielder to break past mannequins and face the goalkeeper.
Tactics Manager Pro - Create Drills and Sessions

Outnumbering the goalkeeper starts with beating the back line. This drill gives midfielders and two strikers a clear passing pattern to split defenders, arrive in the box at pace, and finish under real pressure.

Setup

  • Players: 5 (midfielder, two strikers, defender, goalkeeper). Add replicas of the pattern on both sides if numbers allow.
  • Area: 50x40m strip with a mannequin line marking defenders just outside the box. Place a cone gate across the top of the penalty area where the striker must pass through.
  • Equipment: Balls, cones, mannequins/poles to mimic the defensive line, bibs.

Position the midfielder at the central cone, strikers in front of different mannequins, defender on the penalty spot, and goalkeeper on the line.

Sequence

  1. Midfielder plays into Striker A (choose left or right).
  2. Midfielder sprints forward to the second cone while Striker B checks away to create depth.
  3. Striker A lays the ball back to the midfielder, then spins beyond their mannequin.
  4. Midfielder slides a through ball between mannequins toward Striker B’s run.
  5. Defender must hold the penalty spot until the splitting pass is played, then can pressure.
  6. Receiving striker finishes first time or squares to their strike partner; defender blocks legally (no slides).
  7. Repeat, starting with the opposite striker so both sides receive the first pass.

Once the group settles, allow the midfielder to disguise the direction of the first pass to keep the defender guessing.

Animation of breaking the defensive line drill

Progressions

  • Live press: Introduce a second defender who tracks the lay-off to mimic double pressure.
  • Timed finishes: Require the shot inside two touches after the through ball.
  • Change the trigger: Add a rule that the midfielder can dribble beyond the mannequins if the defender doesn’t step, forcing communication.

Coaching cues

  • Midfielder receives half-turned and plays firm into feet.
  • Strikers’ first touch should set the ball away from mannequins.
  • Through ball should split the line with pace—no floaters.
  • Finishes must be decisive: pick the far corner or square for a tap-in.

Takeaways

  • Automated movements. Players learn exactly when to drop, bounce, and run beyond the line.
  • Passing accuracy. One poor pass kills the move; repetition breeds clean weight and timing.
  • Decision-making. Strikers must read the defender before choosing to shoot or square.
  • Goalkeeper sharpness. Keepers face close-range shots with limited sight lines, perfect for match prep.

Share how you tweak this pattern—extra wingers, dummy runs, or overloads on Facebook or tag @footballtechnik on Instagram.

Related Posts