Tactics - 1

The other day I came across a document I'd printed out a few years ago on the fundamentals of soccer tactics, broken down by positions and offensive/defensive responsibilities. I thought it might be useful for each of us to take a look at them. I'm going to break these into three posts: defenders, midfielders, forwards, but we should read all of them - you never know when you'll end up in a strange position AND we need to function better as a collective unit. So here goes:

Organization of Back Players

Sweeper

Defensive
§ Play behind or in front of back line
§ Organize the team defensively, communication
§ Establish and control last line of defense and rate of retreat
§ Offside considerations
§ Marking responsibilities
§ Stepping up
§ Deny through balls – interception
§ Skillful in the air and tackling

Offensive
As a free player, attempts to start counter-attacks
§ As a support player, dictates rhythm of play (vision)
§ As a penetrator, with and without the ball

Marking Backs

Defensive
§ Mark central forwards; when to deny, contain, tackle
§ Mark ball side in the central areas, starting positions
§ Proper angles of recovery
§ Understands man to man, zone and combination defending
§ Understands offside trap
§ Skillful in the air and tackling
§ Proper decisions on when to attack the ball
§ Provides cover
Offensive
§ Proper decisions on distribution of ball (safety/risk)
§ Establish width in the attack
§ Overlapping runs into advanced positions
§ Able to maintain compactness in attack
§ Support player

Outside backs

Defensive
§ Deny penetration on flanks
§ Marking responsibilities, starting positions
§ Provide cover
§ Provide balance
§ Skillful tackler
§ Tracking down according to defensive philosophy

Offensive
§ Provide early outlet after ball is won
§ Establish width in the attack
§ Overlapping runs into advanced positions, timing
§ Ability to play as winger
§ Maintain compactness in attack
§ Provide support