Passing on the Diagonals

Consider a player with the ball in the following game situation:

As illustrated, this player has three passing options available to him:

1. Play a square pass to teammate A.
2. Play a vertical pass to teammate B.
3. Play a diagonal pass to teammate C.
   

Given these options, which is the best choice?

The square pass to teammate A represents the worst option of the three. Because the ball travels horizontally relative to the playing field, this type of pass only changes one dimension of play (width), which causes minimal disruption to the defensive shape of the opposing team. In addition, this pass doesn't move the ball closer to the attacking team's goal, which means that scoring options are not improved.

Worst of all, square passes can easily be intercepted by an intermediate defender before they reach their intended recipient. When this happens, the opponent has a direct path to your own goal while two of your players are positioned very poorly to defend the counterattack. Note that all three players are in line with each other at the instant of interception, but the opponent has the shortest route to your goal and has the advantage of momentum going the same way. Your players must turn, accelerate, and take a longer path to chase down the breakaway, which places them at a distinct disadvantage.

Because square passes offer almost no attacking benefit, and because they represent a high defensive risk, they should be avoided as much as possible!

The forward vertical pass to teammate B is a somewhat improved choice. Assuming the receiving player moves toward the ball to control it, this pass offers much less opportunity for interception by the defense. It also moves the ball closer to the attacker's goal, which improves the attacking team's ability to score.

However, this combination still poses some shortcomings. Again, it only changes one dimension of play (depth), so the defending team can adjust easily to counteract the pass. The recipient must receive the ball while facing away from the goal, which limits his vision of the field and reduces his options to go to goal on the first touch. Further, the positioning of the supporting target player (and his associated defender) impedes the ability of the first attacker to dribble into space and toward goal, and also limits the first attacker's ability to see the goal and attempt to score directly off the dribble.

The diagonal pass to teammate C represents the best option of the three. This type of pass changes two dimensions of play (both width and depth), which forces a much greater adjustment by the defensive unit to restore pressure, cover, and balance. It moves the ball closer to the attacking goal, thus increasing scoring options. The receiving player can minimize the risk of interception by moving a step or two to meet the ball after it is played. In the event the defense does manage to intercept this pass, the passer is already goalside and thus positioned reasonably well to defend against any counterattack.

As another benefit, the diagonal pass allows the recipient to receive the ball on an angle, which makes it easier to play a first touch toward the goal while maximizing forward vision of the field. Finally, because the supporting forward player is positioned to one side, the first attacker retains the option to dribble into space toward the goal, which further complicates the opponent's defensive task.

For these reasons, passes along the diagonals will generally be the best choice. However, the real benefit comes when you are able to string multiple diagonal passes together in the same possession. To see one example of this, consider the original game scenario as revised in the illustration below:

Here, player B has taken a slightly wider position relative to the first attacker, which would permit a diagonal pass into player B if desired. Because the central defender must stay in place to protect against a penetrating dribble by the first attacker, this wider position also creates some separation between player B and the defender.

This attacking shape also makes it simple to play the ball into the space behind the defensive line with just two diagonal passes. These passes can be made with one touch each, which maximizes speed of play. Further, the diagonal path of the final service into the penalty area makes it harder for the goalkeeper to intercept before player B can reach the ball and attempt to finish.

Finally, you should recognize that diagonal passes do not always have to be played forward to be effective. For example, a forward checking back to the ball may want to "play the way he is facing" by giving a one-touch diagonal pass back to a supporting midfielder. Assuming this pass travels to a teammate on an "x" (and not a "+"), and if it traces a different path than the one it followed into the feet of the forward, it will likely be a well-chosen touch.

About the Author: The co-creator of SoccerROM, Robert Parr holds a USSF 'A' license and a USSF National Youth Coaching license. He is currently the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Georgia College & State University, and a member of the Georgia State Soccer Association Olympic Development Program Coaching Staff. From 1995-2002, Robert was the Director of Training for the American Soccer Club "Eagles" youth program in Austin, Texas. He also served as the South Texas Men's State Team Coach from 1996-1998, and a South Texas YSA State Staff Coach for both the Olympic Development Program (1991-1999) and the Coaching Education Program (1991-2002). From 1989 until 1995, Robert was the Head Coach of the University of Texas Men's Soccer Team, where he led the program to a National Collegiate Club Championship in 1990, three other National Tournament appearances, and an overall record of 80-25-16. You can reach Robert at robert@soccerrom.com.