The False 9

Our latest book explores how some of the best teams in the world play with a withdrawn forward, also known as a False 9. The number 9 relate to the classic number given a the striker.

The most famous example of this method being used is Spain during the 2010 World Cup. When Fernando Torres was not playing Spain would play without a true forward and only have Cesc Fabregas playing a little higher up the field than the rest of the midfield. Spain is an extreme example. Most teams that utilize a False 9 also play with a forward in a traditional attacking position. The False 9 plays 'underneath' the traditional forward.

The False 9 details the ways that the top teams and coaches play with a withdrawn striker. But the most interesting part of the book is the complete set of drills and exercises that are included with the book. They will show you how to teach your team to play a ball-possession style of play that will take full advantage of benefits of playing with a False 9.

Here are just a couple of activities that are in the book.