Centre-back can break a line by dribbling but coach keeps demanding the pass

If the centre-back has clear space and the pass is blocked, carrying can be the best line-breaking action. I would not coach passing as a moral choice. The defender should read whether an opponent is willing to step out. If nobody engages, travel with the ball. The moment somebody does, the passing lane they were protecting may open. The technical detail matters: secure touches, ball on the safe side, head up while travelling. I’d use build-up games where the centre-back gets rewarded for crossing a line under control or creating a free teammate through the carry. At U15, defenders need to become comfortable solving the problem in front of them. If the coach shouts “pass” every time, the player may stop recognising space altogether. The aim is not to create centre-backs who dribble for the sake of it. It is to create defenders who can progress the team by passing or carrying depending on what the opposition gives them.