What is Hold-up play?
Hold-up play is when a forward protects the ball to bring teammates into the attack.
Football glossary
Hold-up play
Hold-up play is when a forward protects the ball to bring teammates into the attack.
Simple definition
Hold-up play is when a forward protects the ball to bring teammates into the attack.
Example in a match
A striker shields from a centre-back and lays off to midfield.
Why it matters for development
Allows team to advance and rest shape.
How young players can train it
1v1 shielding and lay-off combinations.
- Small-sided games
- Coach feedback after sessions
- Video review where available
Questions
FAQs
At what age can players learn this?
Introduce concepts age-appropriately — simple language for younger players, more detail from U12+.
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