Match moments / They have the ball
A winger runs at you
One against one out wide. Our winger's recovery run, the full-back's stance and what we do after winning it decide whether this ends in a cross against us or a counter for us.
In the match
- Decision 1Winger
- Decision 2Full-back
- Decision 3Full-back
You are 7, our right winger.
Their winger is past you and running at 2. What do you do?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
On the inside you block the way to goal and make it two against one. The winger now has only one way to go.
It can work
Sometimes the coach wants one player up. But 2 is now alone against a winger with a run at goal.
Costly
Behind and outside, you help nobody. They cut inside, away from you, towards goal.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 2, our right-back.
Their winger is running at you. How do you stand?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
You have closed the way to goal. Their only way is down the line, where the angle gets worse with every step and 5 can cover inside.
It can work
You are hard to beat, but you have given them time to look up and cross.
Costly
If you miss, they are past you with a clear run at goal. Stay on your feet until the heavy touch.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 2, with the ball near our corner flag.
You have won it. Their winger wants it straight back. What now?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
7 helped win it and is now free, facing forward, with the space their winger left. A counter starts from a defensive job done well.
It can work
Safe, and never wrong when in doubt. But it usually goes straight back to them, and they come again.
Costly
A dribble by our own corner flag is all risk: lose it and they cross with our defence out of shape.
How you know it is happening
- An attacker runs at you with the ball.
- You have no cover yet, or cover is arriving.
- The touchline is close.
Why it works
Defending is about taking options away. Standing inside closes the way to goal, and the touchline becomes an extra defender. Patience wins more balls than lunges, and a ball won cleanly starts the next attack.
The tactics behind it
Your job, by position
- FBFull-back and wing-back
- Close quickly, then slow down as you arrive.
- Side-on and slightly inside: show them the line.
- Wait for the heavy touch, then tackle on your feet.
- CBCentre-back
- Cover inside your full-back, a few metres behind.
- If they reach the byline, guard the near post.
- WWinger and wide midfielder
- Track back on the inside, not behind the winger.
- After we win it, be the free pass facing forward.
- GKGoalkeeper
- Talk: "show him outside!"
- Step towards the near post as they get closer to the byline.
- CMCentral midfielder
- Block the pass back inside.
- Mark the runner arriving at the edge of the box.
How to explain it
- "Show them the line" is one phrase every age understands.
- Freeze it and ask: which way is the attacker allowed to go?
- Count tackles made on feet.
On the training pitch
- On your ownClose down and jockeyThe technique underneath it, with a ball and some space.
- The practiceDefend the gateThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The game1v1 to the gatesA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- Defenders score a point for forcing the attacker out over the side line.
- Add a second defender who joins after three seconds.
Three things to say
- Close quickly, then slow down.
- Side-on, inside.
- On your feet.
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 anyone get past you on the inside?
- How many times did you win it on your feet?
What to look back on
- Where did their crosses come from, and was anyone closing the crosser?