5) Receiving between lines - FIFA Training Centre

As we have discussed in our line breaks section, attacking teams must find solutions to break down opposition defensive structures and blocks, and need to be able to play through an opponent's press.

A key component of breaking lines is having players in positions to receive between the units. If a player can make a movement to receive and get into a zone of freedom between the units then teams can progress their play and break lines.

According to FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, the 'zone of freedom' exists in between the units, when a player doesn't have an opponent within five yards of them.

In the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2022, a number of teams and players impressed our TSG with their capacity to receive between units. Here, Mónica Vergara discusses what a player needs to do, in order to receive between the units.

Receiving – in between

Japan received the ball between the lines of the opponent more than any other team in the tournament

Japan's Maika Hamano topped the ranking for receptions between the lines after the group stage with 44.5 per 90 minutes. Six of the top 10 performs have won Player of the Match.

Owing to their playing style and the excellent technique of their players when passing and receiving, Japan are the team with most receptions of the ball in between opposition units.

All of the top-five ranked teams from the group stages have progressed to the quarter-finals. Six of the players in the top ten for receiving between the units were also named Players of the Match. Japan forward Maika Hamano has 44.5 receptions per 90 minutes between the lines, showing how effective she is for her team's capacity to progress the ball.

Receiving between units 1 & 2

Japan lead the way for receptions between the opponents first and second unit.

Chun of Korea Republic has received the ball the most between units 1 and 2.

Often, midfield or forward players receive between units 1 and 2 but advancing defenders can also receive in this territory. Depending on where the defending team is located, breaking units 1 and 2 can have differing impacts on attacking play. For example, if the defending team is in a low block, breaking units 1 and 2 could lead to an attempt at goal. Whereas if the defending team is pressing high, then breaking units 1 and 2 could be a progression in build-up play.

Following the group stages of the competition, Japan are the most effective team at receiving in this territory with (11) Hamano and (10) Fujino responsible for 54.7 of their 159 receptions between units 1 and 2. Players that receive between units again feature strongly in the Player of the Match awards, with half of the top ten receiving the accolade from our TSG.

Japan combine on the edge of the penalty area between the Netherlands' low block.

Colombia play around New Zealand's defensive line to receive the ball between unit 1 and 2.

Receiving between units 2 & 3

Mexico top the leaderboard for receptions between the opponents second and third unit.

(9) Villanueva of Mexico has received the ball the most between units 2 and 3.

It is notable that all eight teams that progress to the quarter-finals in this competition are in the top-ten ranked teams for receiving between units 2 and 3 after the group stages. Mexico top the team ranking in this territory with forward (9) Alexia Villanueva leading the individual player rankings. Japan's (11) Maika Hamano is in a close second place demonstrating her versatility and consistency at getting between the lines.

Ghana regain possession in their own defensive third before playing forward quickly between the lines. Receiving the ball between the Netherlands' unit 2 and 3 on route to scoring.

(7) Luany of Brazil receives the ball between Spain's unit 2 and 3.

In behind

Nigeria lead the way for receptions in behind the opponent's final unit.

Robledo of Colombia has received the ball the most in behind the opponent's final unit.

When the opponent's last defensive line is breached and an attacking player receives in behind, the opportunities to create a goal-scoring opportunity increase significantly. Receiving in behind can occur anywhere on the pitch. It can be at the half-way line, in the attacking team's defensive half or it can be deep in the final third. The positioning of the opponent's last defensive line and goalkeeper when breached affects the chances of a goal being scored.

Once again, all eight quarter-finalists rank in the top ten for receiving in behind, with Nigeria topping the table with 14 receptions and Brazil coming in at a close second with 13. Japan's (11) Maika Hamano is ranked in the top three for receptions in behind while Colombia's (7) Gisela Robledo leads the individual player rankings after the group stage.

After defending a corner, France counter-attack quickly and play the ball in behind Korea Republic's defensive line.

Colombia's attackers combine to receive the ball in behind the final unit of New Zealand.

Scanning to receive

A key component of being able to receive between the lines is the awareness that the receiving player must have of their own position in relation to their team-mates and opposing players. After receiving, it is also crucial to be able to retain possession and progress and progress the play. The player must have the correct body shape, in order to protect the ball from an oncoming opposition player, or be open and receive the ball with a positive forward first touch.

To have this awareness, the receiving player must constantly scan the pitch to enable them to make and execute a great decision when they receive the ball. Australia's attacking midfielder, (10) Daniela Galic has been noted by our TSG for her awareness and how she scans the pitch. Below, we will also see how Germany's (15) Selina Vobian constantly checks her shoulders and looks around before receiving.

But first, Anja Mittag discusses the importance of scanning the pitch before you receive the ball.

Australia's attacking midfielder Daniela Galic scans before receiving the ball and progressing the play forward with a one touch pass.

Vobian of Germany positions herself between the second and third units of New Zealand before turning and playing the ball forward.