However, maintaining that width is still important, as our ability to get wide and stretch the field can aid our ability to attack down the middle with vertical passes and movements.
This is because the goal is in the middle of the field, but also because vertical passes will give the opposition a shorter amount of time to transition in defense than horizontal ones. Generally, vertical passes will be the most advantageous in quick attacking transitions. Or the opposition will neglect to cover our wingers, allowing us to play wide and exploit the wide areas. Either the opposition will follow suit and decide to cover our wingers, leaving space for us to exploit in the middle. When we have regained possession, our wingers need to stretch the field and get wide. Although we do not want to rush our decisions, it is also important to note that any unnecessary touches can slow us down and even if riskier, one-touch passing can often be the fastest way to transition. If you are being pressured, quickly decide what your best option is for a pass. However, the key thing to consider is generally if you have space, take it. This is a general guideline and every situation in the game will look different. You can no longer advance forward (change direction).Defenders are backing off and appear more concerned about the potential passing options.You have no players in advantageous positions.You have space/no pressure is being applied.You can no longer advance forward (pass backward).You can eliminate all or several defenders with a pass.You have players in advantageous positions.You are being closed down/pressure is being applied.
In general these are some of the key differences of when to pass vs. WHEN TO PASSĪt the moment that a player regains possession of the ball, the first thing that they should be thinking about is whether to pass or dribble. In this article, we will touch on all of these aspects, with a special emphasis taken on the 9v9 game and how attacking transitions look in the popular 3-2-3/3-4-1 formations. when to pass, width, speed, and off the ball movement. Integral elements to attacking transitions include the decision of when to dribble vs. Attacking transitions are a concept that would fall under the umbrella term of counter attacking – winning the ball back and looking to attack right away with speed and intensity. Transitions both from attack to defense and from defense to attack, are essential and can be a source of both goals and goals conceded.Īttacking transitions can be defined as the moment of time between gaining possession and the reshaping and restructuring of our team to get forward and attack, looking to score. Transitional moments are an aspect of the game that most coaches neglect to focus on as much as they should.