Playing Between the Lines

Playing Between the Lines

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$16.68
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Playing Between the Lines
  • Playing Between the Lines
Playing Between the Lines

Playing Between the Lines

Create spaces between the opponent’s lines and break through their defensive structure through secure combination play.

Reading sample

Author
Luca Bertolini

Pages
68

Practices
44

Age
U11-U20+

Medium
$16.68
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

This first volume is about the basic individual and small groups principles to play in between the lines.

  1. Cut a line of two opponents dropping back paying attention to the timing of relation between passer and receiver.
  2. Cut a line of two opponents running forward and receiving in behind paying attention to the timing of relation between passer and receiver.
  3. Cut two lines of three opponents (defending triangles) dropping back among them and how to manage the possession being outnumbered and under pressure.
  4. Cut two lines of three opponents (defending triangles) running forward and receiving in behind and how to manage the possession being outnumbered and under pressure. 

The players must be coached on individual tactics when in possession first, before talking about tactical developments from a team or playing situation point of view, which will be the main theme of the second volume.

This collection of drills builds a full progression for playing between the lines. It begins with cycle passing patterns—first unopposed, then under pressure, and later combined with counter-attacks—to develop timing, angles, and quick circulation. It then moves into small-group situations across multiple zones, starting with 2v1 and 1v2 scenarios, adding goalkeepers, extra support players, and eventually 3v3 and 4v4 duels.

As the chapters advance, the exercises blend finishing actions, defensive overloads, double-duel setups, and transition moments. The final section focuses on breaking defensive triangles in formats ranging from 4v3 up to 6v6 and 5v5, often with goalkeepers and counters included.

Overall, the book progressively trains players to combine, exploit gaps between lines, win small duels, and transition quickly while keeping the core theme of penetrating defensive structures.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Luca Bertolini

Ac Colorno Youth Academy - Italian Football Association

Luca Bertolini is an Italian youth coach, author and founder of lucamistercalcio.com. He currently works at the AC Colorno Youth Academya regional training center of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC)and is also a technical consultant for the Erreà Academy active.

As Author for the Institute for Youth Soccer Bertolini has published several practice-oriented books that make Italian training concepts accessible to an international audience.

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