ChalkTalk

Yesterday we discussed the role of the midfielders in making play predictable and how they must work together to be the first line of defense. Now that we have established our second line of defense we need to defenders to shift in position in anticipation of any passes. Just like the forwards and the midfielders, the defenders must work together to limit space and cut down on the passing lanes.

Yesterday we discussed the role of the forwards in making play predictable and how they must work together to be the first line of defense. Now that we have established our first line of defense we need to midfielders to shift in position in anticipation of any passes. Just like the forwards, the midfielders must work together to limit space and cut down on the passing lanes.

To create a defensive advantage your team should work to make the opposition's play as predictable as possible so that you can shift players toward the ball and limit the amount of space they have to play in. It is crucial then that everyone understands their role in creating these situations. The first line of defense for any team is their forwards. The forwards apply the initial pressure to the ball when a team is passing out of the back while the other players provide support and balance to the team.

Yesterday's tactical quiz tested your understanding of attacking runs when the right mid is about to cross the ball after some quick one touch passing. We asked you to fill in where you thought each player's runs should end up and here is my solution.