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A first-time pass to a teammate, usually played backward or sideways to a player in a better position. Strikers receive the ball with their back to goal and lay it off to a midfielder; midfielders lay off to players with more time. The lay-off creates quick combinations and keeps the ball moving. Good lay-off play requires awareness of who's around you and soft enough touch to give your teammate a clean ball.
Firmino's lay-offs were perfect for Liverpool's system. He'd receive with his back to goal, cushion the ball off to Salah or Mané running beyond him, and suddenly Liverpool had a chance on goal.
Robbie
Jan 26, 2026
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