Line-breaking passes and runs

Line-breaking passes are those that go through a line of the opposing team’s formation. For example, a pass that goes between two opposing defenders is known as a line-breaking pass because it breaks through the defensive line. A line-breaking run is similar to a line-breaking pass, although in this case it is the player, not the ball, that breaks the line. Line-breaking runs usually occur in the final third of the pitch when a forward or midfielder runs through the defensive line and into a goal-scoring position. Cristiano Ronaldo is an expert at making line-breaking runs.