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Free Kicks Long Defending 2
- All players lined up in the diagram as in the previous exercise only this
time the player taking the Free Kick is unmarked and so decides to play a
quick 1-2 with A8 and so finds himself in possession going forward about
40 yards from goal.
- Defenders now have to be careful as slack marking up the
field has left the team under threat as A5 advances.
- (A5) could look to play a
2 against 1 using (A7) as they confront (D5). Should
this happen then (D4) needs to come out and offer support taking up position
(X). The other defenders (D1), (D2), (D3) and (D10) make up the 4 attackers
balancing accordingly.
- Should (A5) run at the defence then it will be (D4)
or (D3) who will need to look to block any shot on goal should (A5) get close
enough to attempt a shot.
- The other alternative may be for (A5) to advance 10
or 15 yards then look to cross the ball across the defence, trying to catch them
off balance as in diagram 2
DIAGRAM 1

- In diagram (2) (A5) has advanced and the defenders although they have retreated
a little have still more or less “held the line” – ensuring that
the Goalkeeper has space and vision in front of him. Also they keep the attackers
away from the 6-yard area.
- But should (A5) advance another few yards then automatically defenders will have
to react accordingly.
i.e. (a) 1 man closing down a shot or a cross/pass to another attacker
- All attackers marked man to man until the last possible moment
N.B. Remember defenders ‘holding the line’ does give attackers the opportunity
to run offside.
DIAGRAM 2
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