Question Number: 15124

Other 4/5/2007

RE: Women's Rec Adult

Nicole Baglieri of London, Ontario Canada asks...

Due to an injury, I have not played soccer since high school. I was a forward in high school and now on my new team, I have decided to become a defensemen. My question is, if I am being forced, with no real opportunity to clear to a mid or forward, should I just clear out of bounds? Or should I take my chances? In highschool, we were always told not to cross the ball unless we were 100%. I am unsure about the whole thing being a defensemen.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Nicole,
interesting that you decided to become a defence man as a lady it would take some doing!
OK likely your skill or physical level is not at peak efficiency and you ask if you should subscribe to the when in doubt kick it out theory?
Personally I despise that theory.
I know the thought of a giveaway paralizes many players. I rather they make a choice based on their ability and what space the opposition has gifted them thanks in no small part to the work off the ball, of the rest of their team!
There are times when the defending long clear out is by far the best thing to do it can give time for your team to get into recovery position but that should not be your only use of skill!
100% sure of what? That the attempt will be successful? If a long ball is a good option but you lack the technique to do get the ball there then you do not make that skill choice. If you are limited by what you can do then a good opponent will figure that out and know you will not make a long pass to an open teammate because you fear the ball being intercepted or going awry and as such they can deny you other closer options leaving you with little choice but to randomly kick the ball away
I tend to frown on that as well!
Why the negativity?
Because soccer is a team sport relying on the individual's skill and technique to function efficiently.
Do you realize in a normal 90 minute match you as a player will have the ball at your feet for maybe 2 minutes? THe ball is either in the air, out of play, with the opposition or at another teammates feet
Skill is knowing WHEN to use your techniques to accomplish something! Being able to control kick, pass, shoot, dribble the ball requires you to work with the ball long after practise because of the short amount of time you actual get on the ball during a match.

A defender under pressure requires an aware KEEPER and all her teammates making runs into support positions to prevent just random clearances. As a coach, I encourage my defenders to get the ball forward into space behind opponents to breaking team-mates but when required can drop the ball back in the direction of the keeper and even make a connecting pass through the middle WHEN the situation calls for it and if they possess the necessary technique to be skillful at it!

The risk versus rewards depends on the awareness of you, your teammates and the tactical knowledge and skill set of techniques you all possess whether you understand to push a bit or fall off a bit when to play tight and stay , when to make the overlap run down the line and when to break off and recover following an opposing player from entering free space.

Good habits and a good mindset allow you to have decisions about what do do well before you get to the ball. Yes circumstances change, positions alter and you must keep on top of the ongoing movements but anticipate and know the how , what and why and where your teammates will be or do to help. As I said earlier, since a player only has ball possession in an entire match for 2 minutes it begs the question what are you doing the other 88 minutes? If you understand the other 88 you will be miles ahead of those who do not!
Cheers