Retreating Line – Further Information
9v9
Preface
This document is produced with the help of Nick Walker in an attempt to cover some of the grey areas of the retreating
line.
Many of these scenarios are game realistic and should be a discussion point between the coaches and referees before the start of
the match. Once agreement is made the referees should make an effort to instruct and guide the players through the rules and not
heavily penalise the players whilst they get familiar with the rule and its intricacies. These are junior players and in their ‘development’
phase
The Retreat Line
The retreat line is an attempt to promote teams playing short to the defenders but the GK has the option to play beyond the
retreat line when play is life - if they wish.
When is the Football ‘Live’?
The football becomes ‘live’ after it is touched by a team mate of the GK within the retreat area. If the GK choses to play to a
player beyond the retreat line, the football becomes ‘live’ once it has crossed the retreat line.
GK kicks the ball into these areas
Football is live
Football is live on first touch of a
Goal Kicks
The retreat line becomes active and opposition players must move behind the line. The opposition players may only enter the
retreat area once a team mate of the GK has touched the football. If an opposition player enters the retreat area before, the referee
can award an indirect free-kick on the retreat line.
Misplaced Goal Kick
If the GK passes the football to a team-mate within the retreat area but the football goes out of play a throw-in is awarded to the
opposition.
Goalkeeper Possession (in Hands) in Open Play
Should the GK see an opportunity to play quickly (whilst opposition players are in the retreat area) they are allowed to. If they
wish to play to a team-mate within the retreat area they must wait for opposition players to retreat.
Goalkeeper Possession (at Feet) in Open Play
If the GK receives a pass from one of his own teammates from anywhere on the pitch, he can not pick up the ball and the
retreat line does not come into play as the game remains live.
Free Kicks Within the Penalty Area
Free-kicks taken by the GK or a team mate within the penalty area are covered by the retreat line rule. In these
circumstances the retreat line will be enforced.
Free Kicks Within the Defensive Retreating Area
Free-kicks taken by the GK or a team mate within the retreat area are covered by the retreat line rule. In these
circumstances the retreat line will be enforced.
The Offside Line
For the entirety of the match (whether the retreat line is active or not) the halfway line remains as the offside line. To clarify, the
normal offside law means a player cannot be offside until they cross the half-way line.
Offside
Onside
Coaching Points…
Goalkeepers
Try to pass the ball in front of the receiving player, to enable him to play forward. He should also remain available to switch the
point of attack.
Defenders
Starting position
The defenders should take up positions either side of the penalty area and not too close to the retreat line to enable them to
control the football and not be put under immediate pressure from opposition players.
Body Shape
Players should not be facing towards the goalkeeper as they impede their own view of the players beyond the retreat line. Try to
get players to receive the football with their back to the side-line nearest them, this enables them to have a view of almost the entire
field.
Midfielders / Attackers
Instruct the midfielders/attackers not to wait on the retreat line for a pass from the GK or the defenders. If they start higher they
enable the GK or defenders an easier passing option as well as giving themselves space to move into to receive the football.
The wide players should position themselves to receive the ball with an open body position with the touchline at their back.
Note
Encourage your players to play the ball as quickly and as soon as possible. From the GK receiving the ball, the game should be
‘live’ within a maximum of 6 seconds, if you use the retreating zone or not.
ie. The GK plays quickly or allows players to set-up for play from the back once the opposition are behind the retreating line.
It is up to the coaches and referee to encourage the players to quickly get behind the retreating line. If the GK chooses not to wait
untill all the opposition are behind, then the ball is live.
Do not
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Allow the goalkeeper to kick long every time. Encourage playing out from the back.
Allow your defender receiving the ball to wait untill stops rolling and taking too long. Encourage early touches.
Put a defender on the goal line whilst the GK takes a goal kick.