When it comes to higher level futbol, breaking the lines is key because it puts your opponents under tremendous pressure. There are three lines, the first being the strikers. You can see where this is going, midfield is the second and the defense is the third and final.
Protecting your lines defensively
When playing a technically superior team you want to stay compact defensively. If your team is spread out from front to back, it will be easier for your opponent to connect passes.
Communication should come mostly from the center backs because they can see everything. By telling your teammate in front of you to step left or right allows them to intercept passes.
During a Dallas Cup u19 SuperGroup match [FC Dallas vs Alajuelense] the Costa Rican team “sat back” allowing FCD to pass freely in certain zones.
The reason was because Alajuelense wanted to stay compact so that FCD couldn’t break a line, having less defenders to beat.
Notice: Dallas is calm here, BUT the passes are crisp, purposeful and accurate.
This ↗️ particular FC Dallas team was very good, coming in 2nd place that year losing to Brazilian side Sao Paulo.
Only three times now has an American team won the U19 Super Group, so runners up is an accomplishment. Philly Union won in 2026.
Getting past the first line when in possession
The first line of defense is going to be the opposing teams strikers and sometimes attacking mids.
This line is the fewest in numbers to beat because most teams are going to have higher numbers in the backline and midfield. Although, some teams play 3 up top and 3 in the mid, which makes it harder to play out of the back against that formation. On the flip side, once you get into the midfield things are more open.
When playing out of the back vs a pressing team, it’s going to be the hardest due to the risk and pressure. Losing the ball in that area will probably result in conceding a goal.
Yes, there are fewer in number to get past, but like I said it’s the pressure of losing the ball in a part of the field you can’t afford to lose the ball in.
On the contrary, when playing against a team that sits back things are much easier because there is time on the ball.
Notice here ⬇️ the opposing team sits back and does not pressure the CB… Partly because this CB is very composed and technical.
Second line is the midfield
Center mids especially are very important to a team when it comes to playing both sides of the ball (offense & defense).
Offensively:
To break the second line means your mids or defenders were able to get the ball to your strikers.
It’s not easy to find the strikers feet… It takes really good players to find the strikers feet vs playing long balls into space.
Defensively:
Just look how much Manchester City struggled without their star CM (Rodri) who was out from a knee surgery.
The Spanish star Rodri is great with the ball, but his ability to win the ball back is second to none when it comes to his position. Oh and he was awarded Ballon d’Or in 2024.
The second line of defense is key when it comes to responsibility, hard work and dedication.
The last line of defense
The last (3rd line) is hard to beat IF the center and outside backs are experienced, fast and smart.
Oftentimes there’s a team that dominates possession, but towards the end of the game get a little too comfortable. Meaning, they will step a few extra players up trying to score which allows for the other team to break the line on a counter attack.
Parts of the field to get past the last line:
- Half line – usually when the other team is in possession in your half, but loses the ball when they shouldn’t, allowing your team a counter.
- Around the 18 yard box – which is more challenging due to the lack of space between the defenders and keeper.
Breaking all lines with one pass
A few players I think of who can break all lines in one pass is Toni Kroos and Virgil van Dijk.
One reason is because Kroos is a DCM [defensive center mid], while Van Dijk is a CB [center back]. Therefore, it make sense that they would be in positions that call for them to make longer passes.
As a center back, most players either play short or long. The possession based CB will play short, while the defender who freaks out often plays long.
The best defenders can do a mix of the two… In addition, they can do it without giving it away with their eyes.
Watch ⬇️ van Dijk play these long balls without being obvious.
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