Switch positions

08B

This week our focus is on perception again in a very specific way. The boys learned how to push up the field using overlaps and underlaps a couple weeks ago. Now, it’s important to learn what the next step is.

In a 4v4 situation, we lineup in a diamond with a center back (4), right (8) and left (10) midfielders, and a striker (9). The center back on the navy team decides he is going to make an overlapping run around the left midfielder: 

This is a great run from the central defender and the number 8 and number 4 from the opposing team will have to make some critical decisions as to not allow our center back to get the ball and score or assist. However, can you think of the problem this creates for our team, especially if we lose the ball and the opposition counters quickly?

Our team has not filled in for the attacking center back and has left a major gap in our defense. This is not ideal. So, how can we combat this problem? If our center back lets our left midfielder know he is overlapping, the left midfielder should know he needs to cover the center back’s position. They switch positions for the time being until the attack ends with a goal or at the oppositions feet. It will look something like this:

Our left midfielder (10) has become the central defender and our central defender (4) has become our left midfielder. This is temporary and the two should communicate so that when the center back (4) has recovered to his rightful position, the left midfielder (10) goes back to the left midfield spot. 

Attacking runs can confuse defenses and open up huge gaps in the defense. Our philosophy is one of constant attack and pressure, so we encourage these runs up, especially by our defenders. However, it would be naive of us to ignore the massive gaps this creates in our defense and ways in which the opposition can easily exploit them, such as a quick punt or pass over the top of everyone on the field. 

We must learn how to switch/rotate positions so the game becomes more fluid. On our team, we want the defenders and goalies to be just as skilled with their feet as the midfielders and attackers. This is essential to our style of play. 

Tonight, the boys will begin to learn the idea of when to switch positions with their teammates and why they should do it. See you tonight.