|
|
|
|
|
FineSoccer Kids 49 Welcome to the FineSoccer Kids Newsletter. Today’s subject deals with diagonal runs up front. From a defensive standpoint, the easiest player to mark up is the player who stands still. The less movement by a forward, the less effective a forward is going to be. When a forward runs forward (straight down the field towards the goal she is attacking) or backwards (away from the goal she is attacking) she becomes a little bit more difficult to mark but she also puts herself at risk of running into an offside position or running into a position that is to far away from where she wants to go. If, instead of running directly towards the end line on a run parallel to the side line, a forward makes a diagonal or bent run, it will make things much more difficult for the defenders. First of all, when a forward makes a diagonal or bent run, it’s much easier for a teammate to play a diagonal pass to her successfully (for a better understanding of this, please go to http://finesoccer.com/soccer_edition_118.htm). Secondly, by making a run that takes you across the field, it makes the defenders have to make a decision. Should the defender who was marking the attacker run across the field with her? Should she switch with a teammate and let the teammate mark her? If the defender decides to stay with the attacker across the field, is that leaving the space open on the side of the field she is leaving? If she decides to let the attacker go and not follow her, will that mean another defender is going to be responsible for two attackers? Regardless of the decision that is made, will the defense lose their defensive shape and balance because of this run? All of the above questions come about simply because one player makes one simple diagonal run! If the players on the defending team are good communicators, they will be able to handle this first diagonal run so, at that point, the attacking team can add in a second diagonal run (or an overlapping run by a back) and confuse things even further. Your options as a forward are to be the stationary player that is easy to mark, or, make quick, darting diagonal runs and become the player that causes problems for all opponents. The great thing about the chaos created by diagonal runs is that they don’t require speed, size, skill or anything else that would prevent anyone from doing them. They simply require the understanding of the run and the desire to do them Any questions, comments or suggestions should be sent to kidscomments@finesoccer.com or they can be posted on the FineSoccer Forum at http://finesoccer.net To subscribe to any of the FineSoccer Newsletters, please go to http://finesoccer.com/subscrib.htm Have a great day!
|
|
|
