A one-two combo at work

The One-Two

The one-two is a classic manoeuvre that sees two players exchanging the ball as they advance across hostile territory. It is one the most exciting sights in football to see two masters of the art ‘one-two’ the ball between, over and among bewildered defenders before driving the ball into the back of the net.

The one-two is known less familiarly as the ‘wall pass’, and it is this name that gives the best clue to its principles. One player acts as little more than a ‘wall’ off which the ball bounces back to his teammate.

Once the ball has been sent on its way by player A, his colleague B must make ready to receive the pass at the same time as watching where A has gone. As he receives the ball he must quickly return it to the space A is going for. It is impossible to execute a one-two without good sympathy between teammates, as they must have an almost telepathic knowledge of each other’s plans.

One of the best things about the one-two is that it enables the team to move up together. Used well, it is extraordinarily effective and can propel the ball deep into the scoring half with plenty of support from friendly players. Short of a single forward taking the ball up himself, it is the most rapid and threatening way of penetrating the opposition’s defence.

The one-two can be employed on large and small scales, whether it’s used to cross half the field or just to slip around a knot of defenders.

The One-Two