Key Moments to Use Support
The attacking principle of Support should be applied during various moments in a match to maintain possession, relieve pressure, and create attacking opportunities. Here are some key moments when a team should use Support:
When a team regains possession, employing Support can help create options and facilitate a smooth transition into the attacking phase. For example, midfielders and wide players can offer themselves as passing options for defenders, enabling the team to move the ball up the field and maintain possession.
Support is essential when facing a compact and well-organized defensive structure. By providing multiple passing options and moving off the ball, players can help create space and passing lanes, making it easier for the team to maintain possession and probe the opposition’s defence.
During quick transitions, applying Support can help maintain possession and control the tempo of the game. As the team breaks forward, players should offer themselves as passing options, ensuring that the player in possession has multiple outlets and reducing the risk of losing the ball in dangerous areas.
Applying Support principles during set-pieces, such as throw-ins or corner kicks, can create opportunities by ensuring that the player taking the set-piece has multiple options to choose from. For example, during a throw-in, attacking players can make runs to provide short and long passing options, increasing the likelihood of retaining possession and creating scoring chances.
