Distribution and use of the ball

FIFA, 15 Nov 2021

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          Following receipt of the ball, a player performs an in-possession action.

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          After a player receives the ball, their next action determines their distribution. The ball can be distributed in a number of ways: a pass, a cross, a ball progression, an attempt at goal, or stepping on the ball to stop it in order to leave it for a team-mate to take possession.

          A player will perform a distribution action under one of the three different pressure types. For example, players who attempt to play a pass to a team-mate whilst an opponent is attempting to contest possession will be distributing under direct pressure.

          Opponents who attempt to control the direction of a player’s distribution, often seen during a press, may be applying indirect pressure. By contrast, if a player is under no pressure, they are free to move the ball in any direction. 

          When a player distributes the ball, they often do so with the intention of maintaining possession and progressing the play towards the opponents’ goal. Distributing the ball in the form of a pass, a cross or a ball progression can be utilised by players looking to break opposition units and lines – this is referred to as a penetrative action.