Match moments / They have the ball
Shot from the edge
Their midfielder has the ball just outside our box and is setting to shoot. Our holding midfielder's approach, the centre-back's marking and the keeper's set position decide whether the shot is blocked, saved or scored.
In the match
- Decision 1Holding mid
- Decision 2Centre-back
- Decision 3Keeper
You are 6, our holding midfielder.
They are about to shoot. What do you do?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
Arriving quickly takes their time away. Slowing down at the end keeps you on your feet so they cannot just go round you. Your body is the block, with your arms tucked in.
It can work
You stay in shape, but they have time and space to pick their spot.
Costly
From that far, they see you coming and step round you, and you are on the floor.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 5, marking their striker.
The ball loops up off 6. What do you do?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
Rebounds go to whoever is moving first. Staying between the striker and the goal means they cannot get a clean touch.
It can work
Ball-watching lets their striker move first.
Costly
6 has the shooter. Leaving the striker gives them the rebound.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are our goalkeeper.
They get another shot away from the edge. Where are you?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
A keeper who is still when the shot is struck can push off either way. Being in line with the ball covers the most goal.
It can work
Guessing early sometimes works, but if they see you go they put it the other way.
Costly
Moving at the moment of the shot, you cannot push off.
How you know it is happening
- Their player has the ball facing our goal at the edge of the box.
- They look up at the goal and set their body.
- Nobody is in front of them.
Why it works
Most shots from the edge of the box are blocked or saved if the nearest defender closes them quickly and stays on their feet, the other defenders stay with their runners for the rebound, and the keeper is set when the ball is struck.
The tactics behind it
Your job, by position
- DMHolding midfielder
- Close the shooter fast, then short steps.
- Get in the line of the shot, side-on, arms tucked in.
- Stay on your feet.
- CBCentre-back
- Stay goal side of your runner.
- Be first to any rebound.
- GKGoalkeeper
- Set your feet as the shot is struck.
- Talk: tell the nearest player to close the shooter.
How to explain it
- Practise closing down at walking pace first, then faster: fast, then short steps.
- Remind players that arms belong by their sides or behind them when blocking.
On the training pitch
- On your ownClose down and jockeyThe technique underneath it, with a ball and some space.
- The practiceShoot and saveThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The gameFour-goal gameA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- Shots only from outside a marked zone.
- Defenders win a point for every block.
Three things to say
- Fast, then short steps.
- Body in the line.
- Keeper set.
On Saturday
Tick them off on the day. Nothing is saved: print the page if you want to keep it.
After the whistle
Ask yourself
- Did you stay on your feet when you closed down?
What to look back on
- Who was first to the rebounds?