Line breaking passes

The key rondos passes can be used in tactical play during matches to play between the lines with the key play splitting lines of defence to create goalscoring runs.

Line-breaking passes are those that go through a line of the opposing team’s formation.
For example, a pass that goes between two opposing defenders is known as a line-breaking pass because it breaks through the defensive line.

A line-breaking run is similar to a line-breaking pass, although in this case it is the player, not the ball, that breaks the line.

Line-breaking runs usually occur in the final third of the pitch when a forward or midfielder runs through the defensive line and into a goal-scoring position. Cristiano Ronaldo is an expert at making line-breaking runs.

Sometimes in soccer a line breaking pass is referred to as the “killer pass”. It’s the pass that splits the defence and gets the attacking player behind the defence so they can take a shot or cross the ball to an open player. While it’s great to keep possession of the ball, in order to score you’ll need to make that one pass that splits the defence.

Splitting the defence makes them turn their backs and run back towards the ball, which is dangerous for a defence because they are chasing the ball and can’t see other attackers are making runs behind them.

How to coach this tactic

Play a small-sided game where three attackers play against six defenders (a back four and two midfielders). The attackers must pass through the two lines of defence.