Reading the Run In Behind & the Well-Timed Pass | Breaking the Defensive Line

Overview

• Players who want to sharpen their runs in behind the back line
• Anyone who wants to learn how to read the play and time the pass
• Teams looking to add attacking, goal-scoring plays to their game

Objectives

• Understand why runs in behind matter and what they open up
• Scan before you pass and judge the right moment to release it
• Improve the accuracy of well-timed passes played into the run
• Make the run and the pass work as one, just like in a match

Setup

In this drill, a player receives a well-timed pass out of the flow of play, then attacks the space in behind and goes for goal.

1）Set up 8 players on the field (20m x 25m). Put two mini-goals near the middle.

2）The starting player loops a pass forward and the next player receives it.

3）Just before the pass goes, the player on the ball scans and reads their teammate’s run.

4）They play a well-timed pass — one released while the play is on the move — into the runner attacking the space in behind.

5）The receiver takes it to a quick shot, then swaps with another group and you run it again.