To effectively implement the defensive principle of Delay, players in different positions must understand and fulfill their specific roles within the team. Here are the roles of different players in applying Delay:
Press and win
Pressing high: Forwards and attacking midfielders should press the opposition’s defenders and midfielders high up the field, forcing them to play backward or sideways passes.
Cutting off passing lanes: Attackers should look to cut off passing lanes, making it difficult for the opposition to penetrate the defensive line.
Winning the ball high up the field: Forwards and attacking midfielders should look to win the ball high up the field through interceptions or tackles, creating quick counter-attacking opportunities for their team.
Maintaining possession: When their team is in possession, attackers should work to keep the ball and maintain possession, delaying the opposition’s chances to attack.
Cover and block
Covering the defence: Central midfielders should provide cover for defenders by dropping deep when necessary, reducing the space for the opposition to exploit.
Pressing the opposition: Midfielders should press the opposition’s attacking players to delay their progress and force them into making mistakes or playing long, less accurate passes.
Disrupting passing lanes: Midfielders must be able to read the game and anticipate the opposition’s passing movements, blocking passing lanes to delay their attacks.
Initiating counter-pressing: Midfielders should look for opportunities to quickly press the opposition after losing possession, delaying their counter-attack and regaining the ball.
Slow down
Slowing down the attack: Central defenders and fullbacks should aim to slow down the opposition’s attack by delaying their progress and forcing them to play sideways or backward passes.
Maintaining a compact shape: Defenders should work together to maintain a compact and organized defensive structure, reducing the space available for the opposition to exploit.
Tackling: Defenders must be able to make well-timed tackles and interceptions to prevent the opposition from progressing into dangerous areas.
Clearing the ball: In situations where the opposition has penetrated the defensive line, defenders should clear the ball away from danger to reset the defensive structure.
By understanding and executing their roles in applying Mobility and Interchange of Positions, players in different positions can work together to disrupt defensive lines, maintain possession, and generate goal-scoring opportunities, effectively destabilizing the opposition’s defence.
