Edition 8

Welcome to the Soccer Newsletter.  Today's subject is quite specific and something that most people do not consider.  It deals with whether the second run up front should be a clockwise or counter clockwise run.

When I talk about the second run, I am assuming the first run from a target player (assuming a 4-4-2 formation) is a checking run back towards the ball.  Most people agree that the second run should go towards the space created by the first runner.   The question is how does this runner get into that space? 

Lets start with the assumption the ball is on the left side of the attacking teams field.   If the first run is coming toward the ball from the center of the field, the second run (also coming from the center of the field) will be away and counter clockwise. This will enable the second runner to increase the angle in which the ball can be played to her as well as decreases the amount of time where her back is toward the player with the ball.   When the ball is on the attacking teams right side, the second run will be away and clockwise which will accomplish the same thing.

As an outside midfielder who has the ball and sees these two runs being made, you would have to make two decisions.  The first is to play the ball to the first runner who is checking to you.  However, it is in your best interests to look far first in this instance and find the second runner who is making a run into the space that has been created.  If the run is made in the correct direction, this will allow for the ball to be played toward the correct foot and into open space, which is leading toward goal.

In summation, when the ball is on the left side of the field and the run is coming from the middle of the field, the second run should almost always be counter clockwise.   When the ball is on the right side of the field and the run is coming from the center the second run should almost always go clockwise.  The reason I say almost always is that soccer is not a game of absolutes and different circumstances might dictate different choices.

I have made the decision to keep the Soccer Newsletter as short as possible and to try to come out with two per week.  This will be somewhat dependent upon my schedule.   If you have any ideas for future newsletters, please send them to comments@finesoccer.com

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Have a great day.

Lawrence