The shape
With the ball in our defensive third, the goal keeper and goal defence are the first passers, the wing defence offers on the sideline and the centre waits in the centre third. The wing attack and goal attack hold in the attacking third, one high and one on the circle edge, and the goal shooter stays near the post. As the ball moves forward each player shifts one pass ahead of it, so the carrier always has two options in front and one behind. Without the ball every player picks up their opposite number goal side.
Roles
- Goal keeper. Takes rebounds and back-line throw-ins, passes short to the goal defence and contests every shot from 0.9 m.
- Goal defence. The second passer out of defence. Turns to find the wing defence or centre, and marks the goal attack out to the centre third.
- Wing defence. Offers on the sideline for the outlet, feeds the centre and stops the opposing wing attack reaching the circle edge.
- Centre. Links the thirds. Receives from the defence, carries through the centre third and sets up on the circle edge.
- Wing attack. Owns the circle edge. Receives from the centre and feeds the shooters with a bounce or an overhead, then repositions for the rebound.
- Goal attack. Moves between the circle and the attacking third, offers the long option and takes the shot when the goal shooter is covered.
- Goal shooter. Holds a strong position close to the post, takes most shots and rebounds everything.
Strengths
- Short passes keep the ball safe and the three-second rule easy to beat.
- Every player always has two options ahead.
- The structure recovers quickly when the ball is lost.
- Simple enough for a new team, solid enough for an experienced one.
Weaknesses
- Predictable: a good team learns the pattern and steps onto the next pass.
- Slow against a counter-attacking side.
- Relies on the centre getting through the middle third unmarked.
- The goal shooter is isolated if the goal attack drifts too far out.
When to use it
This is the shape whenever the team is not in a set piece, and the first structure to teach a new side. It suits a strong goal shooter who can hold the post and a centre with the fitness to work all three thirds. The right default for juniors from under 11s upward because every pass is short and every job is clear.
What to coach in training
- Court-length passing in sevens: start with a back-line throw-in and reach a shot with every player touching the ball once and no pass longer than a third. Time each run.
- Two-options drill: freeze the play on a whistle and check who has not provided an option in front or behind the carrier.
- Circle feeding for the wing attack and centre: read whether the goal shooter is holding or the goal attack is cutting, and deliver within two seconds.
Works well against
It handles one-on-one marking well, because short passes and continual movement make an intercept hard without a contact or obstruction call. It also copes with a side that sits back and lets you have the ball, since patience is built in. A hard full-court press is uncomfortable, where every short pass is contested and the three seconds start to matter.
