CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Prevent the escape switch

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM PRINCIPLEBuild pressure on the ballSUB-PRINCIPLE

Prevent the escape switch

Close the route out of pressure while maintaining team connections.

Required player actions

  • #9 adjusts the run to discourage a return across the centre-backs or through the goalkeeper.
  • The near interior blocks the inside connection while #6 screens the central player who could switch play.
  • The far winger narrows to anticipate the switch, then travels on the ball if the opponent escapes.
COACHING QUESTION

Can the opponent leave the area easily?

View example practices
Preventing build upAttacking half
12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Ball-side pressure and supporting cover · Gold rings: key roles

Blue plays toward the top goal. The shaded area identifies the phase; supporting roles may sit outside it. All 22 players retain their 4-3-3 positions.

Back to sub-principle
EXAMPLE PRACTICES

Prevent the escape switch

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Close the route through the goalkeeper

12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Starting picture · Blue: Northbridge · Sand: opposition · Gold rings: focus players · White dot: ball

A starting picture for the practice, with the focus players highlighted. Both teams keep their 4-3-3 roles; movement and decisions develop through live play.

Organization

11v11 on a full pitch with two regulation goals, normal offside and both teams in a 4-3-3. Restart with the opposition left centre-back in possession and both fullbacks available.

Practice task

#9 guides the ball toward their left-back and adjusts to the return pass. #7 presses wide, #8 removes the inside exit and #11 narrows. The opponent tries to switch through a centre-back or goalkeeper.

What to observe

The return route is pressured without #9 disconnecting from the winger, and the opponent cannot switch to a free receiver uncontested.

Progression

Let the goalkeeper carry to create a new angle, requiring the front three to exchange pressure and screening roles.

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Club-authored practice examples applying this sub-principle. Adapt pitch dimensions, bout lengths and challenge to the players; the source framework is for U13-U14.

Related sub-principles

Adapted from the supplied U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework · U13-U14 Game Model and Learning Plan, pp. 29, 34. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.