Concept · Intermediate
Offside trap
Pushing the defensive line up together at the moment of the pass to catch the attacker in an offside position.
How it works on the pitch
The line steps up in a coordinated move as the ball is played, nullifying the striker who attacks depth. Requires millisecond synchrony: one straggling centre-back kills the entire trap. High-risk but compresses the pitch and saves energy (defending in midfield, not in your own box).
Gaffer FC teaches 12 concepts like this one with interactive examples and a tactical minigame where you make the call. See inside the app.