Penetrative action

FIFA, 15 Nov 2021

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          The classification of a penetrative action “refers to how many and which units of the opposition team shape are broken and whether the ball was received inside or outside the opposition team shape.

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          Penetrative actions include passes, crosses or ball progressions that break the lines of the opposing team. This can be achieved by going through a line, around it or over it.

          A ball progression that cuts out a number of opposition players is a penetrative action. A unit line must consist of at least two players. For example, if the opposing team are in a 4-4-2 mid-block and the centre-back in possession steps in with the ball, bypassing the two centre-forwards, this is a penetrative action that breaks one unit line of the opposition’s defence.

          A through-ball that goes between two players and is received in behind them is also a penetrative action that can break a unit. An example would be the centre-back in possession passing between the opposition’s two centre-midfielders for an attacking midfielder to receive in between the lines. 

          If the opposition are in a narrow, compact shape protecting the central channel, the lines can be broken by going around them. This can happen when a full-back passes forwards to a wide midfielder and then proceeds to progress the ball into the next third of the pitch by overlapping and receiving in an advanced position. A number of the opposition’s lines have now been broken because play has progressed around them.

          Units can also be broken by going over the opposition’s defence/team shape. A long diagonal pass from a centre-back, which goes over the head of one of the opposition’s full-backs and allows an attacking player to receive in behind, is an example of a penetrative action that breaks multiple lines.