Why do teams kick it long and out of play directly from the start of soccer games?
Here’s why teams kick it long as soon as the game starts.
Football is an ever-evolving sport that goes through various phases of fashionable tactics: managers are constantly trying to outwit their counterparts with different ways to play the game.
In 2026, teams are increasingly fond of playing on the front-foot, pushing teams back into their own half of the pitch, and dominating the ball. Higher physical output from the athletes have allowed for this style to permeate across all levels of the game, with the top names in management providing the keys for the rest to copy.
So why do teams kick it long at the start of the game?
The idea behind the long ball from kickoff is simple. It all has to do with football’s currently fashionable tactics involving one fundamental feature: a high press.
From kick-off, the attacking team, starting inside the centre circle, kick the ball long and aim for corner flag. The ball ideally leaves the pitch at the sideline, as close to the corner flag as possible, giving their opponents a throw-in deep inside their own half. While this may seem counterproductive, especially given the idea that most teams want to control and dominate the ball, the attacking team rush to press their opponents in an attempt to block them in and cut-off their options to play out from the back with short passes to teammates.
This situation, despite not being directly in control of the ball, is seen as more advantageous than having to work the ball through the opponent’s block from the centre spot and the pressing team can even dictate, with their movements, which options open for the on-ball side and funnel their play to a more advantageous area of the pitch.
Were the team with the kick-off to play short to a teammate and keep the ball, the opposition would, in the same sense, have a certain level of control over their next move. Off-ball from the middle of the pitch, they could either: a) drop off into a more defensive shape and force them to break down the block; b) sit in a mid-block and wait; c) high press and potentially regain the ball high up the pitch. Conceding the ball, giving away a throw, and pressing in the opponent’s third is seen by managers as more preferable than all three of these options.
There are a number of variations to this tactic, but perhaps the most popular is giving it back to the goalkeeper directly from the start. In this way, the attacking team can charge forward in the seconds is takes for the ball to be worked back. From there, they can either win a second ball and control possession high up the pitch, or press, should they not win the take-down.
Thomas Tuchel revealed that against Mexico, one of England's solutions to beat the high press was the long ball—especially knowing that, at altitude, the ball travels even farther. pic.twitter.com/0EKRe8XC2O
— ⚽️Pedro Mendonça🧠 (@PedMenCoach) July 11, 2026
Related stories
Kane showing goals mean riches
Why Erling has ‘Braut Haaland’ on his back
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment