Football match under floodlights with a player on the ball in the foreground

The visual football library

See the game.
Understand the game.

Understand football. One situation at a time.

FUTLUME is a visual knowledge library for football situations. Explore real game scenarios, possible solutions and clear explanations.

Explore categories The principle

Coming soon to iOS and Android

FUTLUME: situation “Third man in the center” with possible solutions

01 / The FUTLUME principle

From a moment in the game
to understanding.

Every situation tells a tactical idea. Step by step. Directly on the pitch.

01
Situation
Recognize the problem on the pitch.
The intended target player cannot be reached directly.
02
Visual sequence
Follow how the play develops.
The first pass changes the angle of the situation.
03
Possible solution
See which option opens up – one of several.
The third man bypasses the originally blocked direct passing lane.
04
Explanation
Understand the idea behind it.
The pass through B changes the angle and opens the route to C.

Example from the library: Third man in the center · Third man

02 / The game decides

Football rarely has
just one answer.

Which solution makes sense depends on space, the opponent’s behavior, pressure and teammates.

An example from the library

Third man in the center

Starting situationThe opposition midfielder stands centrally on the direct lane between A and C and uses that position to block the route.

How does the opponent react? Choose a variant.

Variant 1

Continue through the third man

WhenThe opposition midfielder steps toward the ball and thereby releases the lane into C.

The third man bypasses the originally blocked direct passing lane.

The first pass into B was not an unnecessary detour. It changed the angle and forced the opponent to choose between controlling the ball and controlling the lane into C. The defender chose the ball, so the route into C opened.

Variant 2

B turns forward

WhenThe opposition midfielder does not follow the first pass and continues to mark C tightly.

If the opponent stays connected to C, B has time and space to turn forward and carry the ball.

If the opponent continues to mark C instead of stepping toward the ball, B remains free. A second pass into C is no longer necessary — B can turn and progress personally.

Variant 3

C runs in behind

WhenThe opposition midfielder becomes strongly ball-oriented toward B and loses reference to the space behind.

Instead of waiting for a pass to feet, C immediately runs in behind and opens space in front for B.

C’s run occupies the deeper defensive space and creates a gap in front. B can carry into that space rather than forcing a through ball that is not required.

No solution is right in every case. The situation provides the context.

03 / Inside FUTLUME

From the game
to the decision.

Library, category, specific game situation. Three steps to the tactical idea.

01 · Library
The whole game at a glance
Eight categories, search and favorites.
02 · Category
Situations by topic
Every situation with a tactical preview.
03 · Game situation
From the moment to the decision
Starting situation, steps, possible solutions and explanation.