Two-player pattern
Run one way with the ball, then pass to a teammate crossing behind you in the other direction. This is a Switch. It can use space left by a defender following the first runner.
Club movement
When and why
Run one way with the ball, then pass to a teammate crossing behind you in the other direction. This is a Switch. It can use space left by a defender following the first runner.
The tags let you follow the same people in each picture and animation. They are not shirt numbers; you do not need to know position names first.
M1 runs diagonally. M2 waits behind, rather than running in front of the ball.
Here is a simple starting picture of the six players on your team. They do not stay in these spots throughout the game.
Middle (also called centre), link and wing describe positions. Carrying the ball and being dummy-half are jobs that can change hands. Dummy-half means the player who picks up after a teammate puts the ball down for the restart (rollball).
Read the three pictures first, then watch the animation below. The same tags identify the same people; they are not shirt numbers. A rollball is putting the ball down at the touch spot for the next teammate to pick up.
Animated sequence · fixed camera
Key players enlarged · attack ↑ · orange attacks, white defends. Wider teammates are outside this crop; use Full team for context.
Now
The M1 sells right; the M2 closes from depth.
The two runners begin on opposing forward angles.
Drag to inspect any moment. Player size and camera stay fixed.
Read the situation
Choose an example. Its picture shows the decision; it does not change the main animation.
The retained match example creates an opening but loses the final pass. It is not a successful scoring example.
§11 passing · §16 obstruction · FIT 5th edition ↗
Live match example
Switzerland use a late Switch to turn England and create a three-on-two. The opening is real; an unnecessary long pass loses it. Watch the direction change separately from the final mistake.
England v Switzerland · Men’s 45 · European Championships 2026
Video time 42:39–42:48
Look for this
The carrier takes the defence one way before the support runner changes the angle underneath. Once the defence turns, the Switch has done its job: straighten or use the nearest safe pass instead of forcing the long finish.
Open this moment on YouTube ↗Next game
Watch the crossing runner: do they cross behind the ball and then turn upfield?
