Put pressure on the central defenders and even the goalkeeper when they are trying to play the ball out of the back, and initiate a high press if the coach requires it.To successfully defend as a false 9 a player should: A false 9 is the first line of defense in stopping their opponents from playing out of the back and helping their team win the ball high up the field. The false 9 is the most attacking player on the field with the most creative responsibility, and yet they still have a significant and important defensive role to play when their team is out of possession. Drop deep into midfield to get on the ball and create a numerical overload with the other midfielders on the team.
Players must be able to receive and pass with either foot to quickly process the movement of the opponent’s defense and the attacking runs of their teammates. Be able to receive the ball on the ‘half turn’ so there is always an option to play forward quickly.Be able to create space for themselves by constantly looking and moving into space to receive the ball and make things happen.Be confident and comfortable with the ball at their feet while fending off tackles and pressure from their opponents.Be imaginative with exceptional vision and awareness.And so, to play well in the number 9 position, a player must have the following qualities: When coaches utilize a false 9, the player occupying the position is responsible for creating chances against stubborn and compact defensive lines. The false 9 position in soccer is a playmaking role that demands flair and creativity. How To Play As A False 9 In Soccer Qualities Needed When used correctly, playing with a false 9 can be a highly effective tactic for coaches and teams at any level. If they choose the latter, it can lead to a numerical overload in midfield which in turn will result in a higher level of possession for the attacking team and more opportunities to create chances in and around the penalty box. If they choose the former option, they risk unbalancing their own defense and leaving space for other attackers to exploit. Either one of the center backs pushes on to pick up (guard) the deep-lying playmaker or they let them go unchallenged and hold their usual position. While it’s not uncommon for traditional number 9’s to check toward the ball in an effort to find space, a false 9 will consistently play in pockets of space in between an opponent’s defensive and midfield lines.īy utilizing a false 9, a team forces their opponent into making a tough tactical decision. A false 9 is a creative or playmaking role rather than a simple goalscoring one. Once on the ball, they look to create chances for other attacking players who move into the vacated space or have made their own penetrating runs behind the defense. Unlike a traditional center forward, a false 9 drops deeper into midfield to try and receive balls, vacating the space higher up the field.
In soccer, the false 9 position is a hybrid position that fuses the responsibilities of an attacking midfielder and an out-and-out striker (known as a number 9).