The initial step is to position more attacking players than defending players in the immediate vicinity of the ball. This is commonly referred to as a numbers-up situation, and occurs naturally through proper support of the player with the ball. Once a numbers-up situation has been established, the pieces are in place for execution of the give-and-go. The theory behind the tactic is quite simple. The player with the ball dribbles at and commits the nearest defender to him or her, and then releases the ball to a nearby teammate before sprinting past the defender to collect a return pass. Successful execution of the give and go pass isn't quite as easy as it sounds however. It requires correct pace and accuracy of the pass, proper timing of the run, and the ability of teammates to read the situation and react accordingly. Each player must perform specific responsibilities in order to successfully execute the give and go pass The player on the ball, referred to as the first attacker, must do the following in the order listed: Commit the Defender Dribble directly at goal to commit the nearest defender. This action will force the opponent to do one of the following: 1) withdraw/delay in an attempt to deny penetration, or 2) step forward to challenge for possession the ball. If the defender chooses to withdraw/contain in an attempt to deny penetration, the first attacker should run directly at the defender and attempt to beat him or her on the dribble. If the defender chooses to step forward to challenge for the ball, the attacker should......
Pass the Ball Release the ball to a supporting teammate (second attacker) who has positioned to the side of the defender. Use the outside-of-the-instep pass to play the ball to the lead foot of the support (second) attacker.After passing the ball the player should.... Sprint Past the Defender Immediately sprint forward into the space behind the defender to.... Collect a Return Pass Receive a one-touch return pass from the supporting (wall) player, take the ball in stride, and continues forward in direct route towards the opponent's goal. As the first attacker dribbles at and commits the defender, the second attacker must perform the following steps: Quickly move into position to receive a pass The second attacker must recognize the potential opportunity to execute a give and go pass and quickly move to a position near the ball. He or she should maintain an open passing lane with the first attacker at all times. Position at correct angle and distance of support The "wall" generally positions 3 to 4 yards on either side of the challenging defender at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the first attacker. The distance of the second attacker from the ball will vary depending upon the position of nearby defenders and the available space. The less space available, the tighter the distance of support. Play as the "wall" The second attacker positions in an open stance with body partially turned toward the first attacker. The player's lead foot will serve as the wall off of which the ball will be played. The foot is positioned firmly and angled so that the ball will contact it's inside surface. Redirect the ball into space behind the defender The pass should rebound off the "wall" and into the space behind the defender. Support the ball After redirecting the ball the second attacker immediately sprints forward to support his or her teammate, and possibly to reposition for another give and go pass.
