CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Vertical and diagonal options

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM PRINCIPLEProvide options to play forwardSUB-PRINCIPLE

Vertical and diagonal options

Open a passing lane beyond or beside the opponent’s cover shadow.

Required player actions

  • 6 moves diagonally beyond the striker's cover shadow as 3 receives.
  • 8 takes a different height and lane from 6 so the next pass can break another line.
  • 2 opens an angle on the far side rather than standing directly behind an opponent.
COACHING QUESTION

Can the ball carrier see you and the next option?

View example practices
Building upDefending half
12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Blue wash: Defending half · Gold box: Forward passing lanes · 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.

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EXAMPLE PRACTICES

Vertical and diagonal options

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Escape the cover shadow

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, full pitch, two goals, both teams in 4-3-3 and normal offside. Start with the ball travelling from 5 to 3.

Practice task

Continue to goal. 6 changes angle before 3 receives, while 10 offers a higher option and 5 stays available behind.

What to observe

The ball carrier can see separate passing lanes and the receiver has scanned the next action.

Progression

Let the opposition striker follow 6, opening a different route that the team must recognize.

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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. 15, 22. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.