Wide Play: Blind-Sided Run

Description

A blind-sided run is all about timing and anticipating the switch in play. In the video the play starts with the ball on the right side of the field with a quick pass to the center mid. If you pause the video at 0:02 and 0:11 sec you can see the left mid has already started to make his diagonal run when the center mid receives the ball. At this moment, the defense is focused on the player with the ball and not with the outside mid. This allows the outside mid to start making his blind-sided run and build-up speed.  This movement along with some communication makes it easy for the center mid to automatically see the passing option and play a perfectly weigthed ball into space. This outside mid made his run in front of the defender but you can also make the run in behind the defense. Just make sure to stay on-sides. Better defenders will often look over their shoulders to check for this run but to fake them out you shouldn't start your run until they look away.  Even better would be to check towards the ball and make the defender think you are looking for the ball short and when he looks away then make the diagonal run in behind the defense. The key though is to get the timing down and know when to make the run and when to stay wide. From experience I've found this run works best when the team is good at switching the point of attack quickly and confident in hitting long diagonal passes on the ground or in the air. As the game progesses you will find moments where the outside defenders are pre-occupied with the ball or possible threats in the middle of the field and this is when you can take advantage of a blind-sided run. In the end, it all comes down to practice. Work on this passing combos in practice to get the timing down and you will gain a big advantage in your games.

-Jamil