Coaching: Training runs behind the backline in a three forward system

If you’ve read my article in April’s edition of the Total Football Analysis Magazine, you’ll know that I point to the lack of runs behind the defence as one of the underlying reasons for Real Madrid’s struggles.

While the talent level of the front three has dropped considerably from the heights of the BBC, opponents are keeping Madrid’s attacks in front of them.

Without the need to frequently scan for Madrid’s attackers, track runners and regain their defensive shape, opponents are gladly embracing Real’s predictable attacks.

When you have a forward like Benzema, who enjoys dropping into the midfield to participate in the build-up, those two wide forwards need to test the backline by running into the space Benzema’s created.

Without those runs, gaps are left unexploited and the backline comfortable within their structure.

In this training article, I’ll start with a tactical analysis of the benefits of running in behind the defence.

From there, we’ll look at different exercises for training these runs and some of the coaching points you’ll have to address.

This is the first of two pieces on the topic.

At present, we’ll break down runs in behind the defence within a single or three forward system.

For the sake of simplicity, I will refer to three forwards systems in this article, though most single forward tactics will incorporate high, wide wingers who fill the function of wide forwards, leading to a degree of equivalence.

Next week, the focus will runs behind the defence with tactics featuring two forwards.

Why are runs in behind significant in a front three?

Within a three forward system, the highest line must occupy and disorganize the opposition’s backline.

Since the back four is most common, we’ll primarily concern ourselves with that structure.

In terms of numbers, the backline will generally operate from a plus-one advantage.

Therefore, front three systems require activity from the forwards, stretching them vertically and horizontally to create gaps for exploitation.

A club’s tactical #9, also known as the striker or centre-forward, plays a major role in determining the success of the line.

With opponents to either side of the #9, he’ll attempt to command the attention of both centre-backs, switching from one to the other or playing in the gap between them to free up space for the wide forwards.

The specific tactical instructions will vary to fit the skill set of the player.

Those with more pace might primarily look to make driving vertical runs, whereas your typical #9 in a three forward system will generally lack top-end pace while offering size and strength as an outlet.

Even among the latter class of #9s, there are variations of approach, which is largely down to the ability of the striker.

If your man up top is less technical or severely lacking in mobility, you’ll nearly always find him more central.

His contribution is committing both centre-backs to the central channel, creating more room in the half-spaces and winger for his teammates.

While the centre-backs remain connected with each other, they sacrifice connectivity with their wide defenders.

With a player like Benzema, he’ll bounce between the two forwards, but, in that transitional moment from attacking the opponent to attacking the goal, he wants to disconnect one centre-backs from everyone else on that line.

By pulling that central-defender out of his line, a massive gap between the outside-back and other centre-back emerges.

Wide forwards who see the opportunity and make the run will then find themselves 1v1 with the remaining centre-back or through to goal.

In the most recent Clásico, the game-winning goal was the product of a nice sequence on Real Madrid’s left-wing.

Benzema dropped deep from his position in the half-space.