How to Play Direct Soccer

Direct soccer is one of the most simplistic tactics in the game. At its heart it is essentially the philosophy of getting the ball forward into a shooting position with the minimum passes in the shortest time before the defending team has a chance to reorganize. Notable teams with this approach in soccer history are teams such as the Republic of Ireland in the 1980s and 1990s, Wimbledon FC in the 1980s and 1990s, Chelsea under Jose Mourinho and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1950s. Read on to learn how to play direct soccer.

Things You'll Need

  • Players
  • Opposition
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Win the ball back as soon as possible as close to the opposition goal as possible. High pressure defending is the best way to achieve this, and means that there is a shorter distance to travel to the goal.

    • 2

      Dribble to space if space exists ahead of the ball. Use skill moves to beat opposition defenders, but beat them once, and continue forward. Shoot if the opportunity presents itself, and get the shot on target.

    • 3

      Pass to players in space ahead of the ball. Pass to runs, rather than making passes and hoping the player catches up. Passes should ideally be at angles to the ball.

    • 4

      If play can't proceed through the middle of the field, use the wings and set up crosses using wall-pass and overlap combinations. Finishing from crosses should be done within two touches of the ball.

    • 5

      If the ball is won in midfield or the defensive half, play long diagonal passes behind the defense to players making runs into space behind the defenders. These passes must be supported from behind as fast as possible.

    • 6

      If the direct route on one side is blocked, look to shift quickly to the other side with minimal passes, and create a crossing situation on that side.