To successfully implement the attacking principle of Support, players in different positions must understand and fulfill their specific roles within the team.
Start A Join & Overlap
Supporting the attack:
Fullbacks and central defenders should join the attack when appropriate, providing width and additional passing options in the final third.
Overlapping runs:
Fullbacks must make overlapping runs to provide width and support wingers, enabling the team to apply Support by creating passing options and overloading the opposition’s defence.
Defensive organization:
While applying Support, defenders must maintain a strong defensive structure to protect against counter-attacks and quick transitions by the opposition.
Initiating counter-attacks:
Defenders should look for opportunities to quickly transition from defence to attack, using accurate, forward passes to support teammates and create scoring opportunities.
Control
Ball circulation:
Midfielders are responsible for controlling the tempo of the game, maintaining possession, and facilitating Support by providing passing options.
Creating passing lanes:
Central midfielders must make diagonal or vertical runs to create passing lanes for teammates, enabling quick combination play and breaking down the opposition’s defence.
Defensive cover:
While applying Support, midfielders must also be mindful of their defensive responsibilities, ensuring they maintain a balance between attack and defence.
Transition play:
Midfielders play a crucial role in transitioning from defence to attack and vice versa, using their vision and passing abilities to support teammates and maintain possession.
Create & Support
Creating passing options:
Forwards and attacking midfielders should constantly move into space to provide passing options for teammates and enable quick combination play.
Checking to the ball:
Strikers and attacking midfielders must drop deeper into the midfield to receive the ball and facilitate attacking moves.
Supporting runs:
Forwards must make supporting runs to draw defenders out of position, opening up space for teammates to exploit.
Link-up play:
Attackers should participate in quick passing combinations, using Support to maintain possession and create space.
By understanding and executing their roles in applying Support, players in different positions can work together to maintain possession, create passing options, and generate goal-scoring opportunities, effectively destabilizing the opposition’s defence.
