Junior Soccer Defending - Directing The Play

By Author: Neil Stafford
Total Articles: 2
Comment this article

Copyright Junior Soccer Coach 2004

http://www.juniorsoccercoach.com

Do your players know whether to show an opponent inside or
outside when they are defending?

You may want to consider this tactic when coaching your
players. There are two schools of thought on this; One says
that your defenders should show the opponents outside
towards the touchline.

The reason for this is that if your player does get beat
then the opponent will still have to get a cross in. Also,
they should be at a more acute angle to get a shot on
target if they have been successfully pushed outside.

The alternative to this is showing the opponents inside,
towards goal. If this is to be your style of play then the
players need to be organised so that there is strength
inside. This can be a risky tactic if players are not
switched on or don't know where to best position
themselves.

Showing them inside would be a good tactic if you where
playing with five in defence with a good sweeper.

If your team lacks some direction ...
... on this tactic, then it
will be very difficult for them to get an organised shape
and take a position which is best suited to holding up or
breaking down an attack.

Both young and older players can be coached on this.

As players get older, and become more tactically aware
& proficient in defending techniques, they will be able to
influence the build up play and therefore your defensive
line can react, and adjust, by taking the lead off the first
defender.

Build this simple tactic into some small sided games in
training and watch the beneficial results on match day!
About the Author ===========================================================
For more Junior Soccer help, drills, exercises and coach
development visit http://www.juniorsoccercoach.com and
join the free junior soccer tip of the week.

Or send a blank email to:

mailto:tips@juniorsoccercoach.com
===========================================================