Key Moments to Use Balance
The defensive principle of Balance should be applied during various moments in a match to neutralize the opposition’s attacking threats and maintain a stable defensive structure. Here are some key moments when a team should maintain Balance:
During counter-pressing situations, maintaining Balance is crucial to avoid leaving gaps in the defence. While some players press the opposition to regain possession, others should maintain their defensive shape, covering passing lanes and providing cover for their pressing teammates.
Applying Balance principles during set-pieces, such as corners or free kicks in the defensive third, can help prevent goal-scoring opportunities by maintaining an organized defensive structure. For example, during a corner kick, defenders should mark their opponents tightly while maintaining their zonal responsibilities, ensuring that no attacker is left unmarked.
Balance can be used to recover from errors made by the defence, such as poor positioning or miscommunication. For instance, if a defender is beaten by an attacker’s run or leaves a gap in the backline, other players should quickly adjust their positions to cover the space and neutralize the threat.
When a team loses possession, ensuring Balance can help prevent counter-attacks and protect the defensive structure. For example, central players should drop back to cover spaces, while wide players should track back and maintain their defensive positions, providing support to the backline.
Balance is essential when facing a compact and well-organized attacking structure. Players should maintain their positions and spacing, coordinating their movements to cover potential threats and deny space for the opposition to exploit.
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