Starting an attack - keeper throwing to full back

Rather than the keeper kicking the ball and both teams fight for it, it is better to throw the ball out to one of the full backs and keep the ball for ourselves.

This short animation shows the movement involved. The full backs should make the run as soon as the keeper as caught the ball and as it under control.

The keeper should only pass to the full back if the full back has the space to receive it.

If the pass isn't on the full backs should come back into a more central position ready for the kick from the goal keeper.

Top Tips

1. Move to the line as quickly as possible. Opponents often stop playing and lose concentration when their attack breaks down. This is our opportunity to pounce.
2. Turn and face into the pitch, You can see everything that is happening then.
3. The keeper should throw the ball into the space just in front of the full back so that he only has to have one touch and is facing up the pitch. Ideally, he may play it first time.
4. The keepers throw should be as good as a pass from the feet.
5. The midfield player should recognise the play and move to a wide position to receive the pass from the full back.