1
A pass from the byline back into the penalty area, usually toward the edge of the six-yard box. The crosser gets to the end line and pulls it back to an arriving teammate. Cutbacks are high-percentage chances because the ball is traveling away from the goalkeeper, making it easier to finish. Modern teams create cutbacks constantly because the xG from them is excellent.
City's goals often come from cutbacks. The winger gets to the byline, the defense is scrambling, and a simple pass across the six-yard box finds someone with an open goal. It's not flashy, but it's clinical.
Robbie
Jan 17, 2026
Have a different take?
Think there's another way to define Cutback? The Football Dictionary is built by the community — submit your own definition and let others vote on it.
Submit Your Definition