5. Running In Behind

Module: Movement Classroom: How To Coach: The Striker Clinic Original Location: https://www.skool.com/football-coaching-academy-5676/classroom

Duration: 0:27 (Video)

Section Contents

1. Section Introduction
2. Running In Behind
3. How To Run In Behind - The Key Points
4. Individual Session Plans to Help Learn Running In Behind (Players)
5. Team Session Plans to Help Teach Running In Behind (Coaches)

Section Introduction

If the opposition defence is playing a high line, therefore leaving you space to run into, making a well-timed run behind can see you go through 1 vs 1 with the goalkeeper! The key to this run is to play as far up the pitch as possible without being offside (on the defender’s shoulder) and ready to run onto through balls.

The Golden Rule

• If you are about to receive a diagonal pass, you should make a straight run in behind.
• If you are about to receive a straight pass, you should make a diagonal run in behind.

You may not have offsides at 4,5,7, or 9 aside football, but the lessons and key points are still relevant for players of all levels. These players are practising the requirements of adult football, with a margin of error if they get it wrong.

Why Running In Behind Defenders is Crucial

Running in behind defenders is a fundamental skill that every striker must master. It is a direct and highly effective way to exploit space, create goal-scoring opportunities, and keep defenders constantly on edge.

1. Exploiting High Defensive Lines

When the opposition plays a high line, they leave significant space behind their defence:

• Time their Run: A well-timed run can leave you one-on-one with the goalkeeper
• Stay on the Shoulder: Playing on the last defender’s shoulder allows quick reactions to through balls

Key Tip: Stay as high up the pitch as possible without straying offside, constantly scanning for the right moment.

Running in behind is all about timing - both releasing the pass and the run in behind. If the pass is played too late, the striker is offside. If the run is too early, the striker is offside.

2. Forcing Defensive Mistakes

The threat of a run in behind keeps defenders unsettled:

• Drop deeper, reducing their ability to press higher up the pitch
• Misjudge timing of interceptions or challenges, leading to errors
• Commit fouls in dangerous areas, earning free kicks or penalties

3. Creating Space for Teammates

Your movement in behind benefits the team:

• Dragging defenders deeper creates space between defensive and midfield lines
• Runs toward wide areas can stretch the defence, opening gaps for other attackers

4. Pass and Run Combinations

Timing and coordination are critical:

• Diagonal Pass = Straight Run: When the ball is played diagonally, run straight to meet it
• Straight Pass = Diagonal Run: When the ball is played straight, curve your run to avoid defenders

5. Overcoming Defenders’ Strategies

Counter defensive reactions by:

• Varying Your Runs: Alternate between running in behind, dropping deep, or pulling wide
• Using Disguised Movement: Start your run late or feint before accelerating

6. Mental Focus and Patience

Not every run will result in a pass or goal-scoring opportunity, but persistence is key. Keep making intelligent runs, stay focused, and capitalize when the chance comes.

7. Professional Examples

• Jamie Vardy (Leicester City): Renowned for explosive runs behind defenders, particularly against high lines
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Perfect timing and acceleration into space makes him one of the most dangerous strikers

13 Key Points for Running In Behind

1. Awareness and Scanning

Consistently scan surroundings to assess defensive line positioning, teammates’ movements, and available space.

2. Timing the Run

Perfect timing is critical to staying onside and exploiting space effectively. Delay the run until just before the ball is played.

3. Reading the Defensive Line

Identify weaknesses such as gaps between defenders or lack of communication. Position on the shoulder of the last defender.

4. Angling the Run

A well-angled run creates separation from defenders and provides better receiving angles.

5. Communication

Use clear verbal cues (“play it early”) and non-verbal gestures (pointing to space) to coordinate with the ball carrier.

6. Receiving the Ball on the Run

First touch should maintain momentum - use a soft touch into space or cushioned touch for immediate shot/pass.

7. Decision-Making

Quickly decide whether to shoot, pass, or continue driving forward based on positioning of defenders, teammates, and goalkeeper.

8. Exploiting Space

Identify and target spaces where the defensive line is disorganized or defenders are drawn out of position.

9. Physical Fitness and Acceleration

Explosive speed is required to outpace defenders. Incorporate sprint drills and interval training.

10. Body Positioning After Receiving

Keep body between ball and defender, using arms and torso for balance and protection.

11. Offensive Transition

After winning the ball back, transition quickly into attacking phase with decisive actions.

12. Confidence in One-on-One Situations

Build confidence through repetition of finishing drills, emphasizing calm decision-making.

13. Adapting to Defensive Reactions

Be prepared to adjust runs if defenders track movement or close passing lanes. Change direction or delay to create new angles.

Individual Session Plans (Players)

Technical Drill: Timing the Run

• Setup: Use final 3rd with mannequins/cones as defenders
• Execution: Player makes diagonal run, receives pass, controls and shoots
• Progression: Add passive defender

Decision-Making Drill: Adjusting Runs

• Setup: Half field with goal, goalkeeper, and gates at top of box
• Execution: Two variations - bounce pass with bent run, or direct through ball
• Focus: Timing, staying onside, composure in finishing

Game Simulation: Counterattack

• Setup: Half field with goal, mannequin defenders
• Execution: Well-timed run from deep position to receive midfield pass
• Progression: Add live defender

Team Session Plans (Coaches)

Positional Drill: In Behind Movement

• Setup: 7-aside game with 3 zones, only Striker and Defender in end zones
• Execution: Striker scores in big goals, Defender scores in mini goals
• Focus: Timing of runs, communication, exploiting channel space

Game Scenario: Breaking Down a Defence

• Setup: Two-thirds of pitch, 7v7+1 with 2-man defence each team
• Execution: Encourage striker runs in behind with possession
• Focus: When to hold wide vs diagonal run, winger use, communication

Game Scenario: Breakout Finishing

• Setup: Rectangle with rondo grid in centre, 2 full-sized goals
• Execution: After reaching pass target, through ball for 1vGK finish
• Progressions: Add chasing defender, allow defender to score if ball won

Technical Exercise: Attack The Space Finishing

• Setup: Between boxes, two teams, 2 goals with keepers
• Execution: Pass-and-move with overlapping run and reverse pass finish
• Progression: Set time limit and count goals for competition

Game Simulation: Pressing and Counter Pressing

• Setup: 2 teams in different formations in highlighted zone
• Execution: 5 passes required before exiting zone to score (7 second limit)
• Progressions: One team attacks immediately on winning ball; front 3 don’t defend

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy How To Coach: The Striker Clinic