HowTo: #2 & #5 Covering the Center-Backs

There's so much to do as a full-back – running the channels, putting in crosses, tracking the opposition's winger – that it's easy to let your center-back go unprotected.

Don't let that happen. Every good center-back needs her full-back to be aware of the game, of every attack, and of where she should be.

Positioning is vital. Let's go over three points.

• If I'm a #2 or #5 covering my center-back, what do I do? Positioning is vital. You must stay connected to the center-back - not too far wide (creates too big a channel), not too deep (allows opp. forward to get behind the central defenders), work with the center-back. Remember, the goal is in the center of the field all the way at the end.  Defend the middle of the field first, don't allow them to play a ball through you.  Above the white/red team have a very narrow and compact back four. This forces the dark team out wide. The white/red #2 will, talk and if needed, pass-on this mark to the #3 if the ball goes out wide.

 

  
• The ball is out wide on the far side and there are two open players in the middle, what do I do? Try to position yourself in line with the center-back and inside the far post. That way you protect the goal and the attackers are marked. You can leave your mark on the far side, focus on the threat to the goal. Below, the ball is coming down the left flank (pink) and the #2 and #3 (red dots) are working together to mark the two strikers.

• What happens if the ball then gets crossed to the outside midfielder I was marking? How do I deal with that? Begin from that good starting position, lined up with your center-back and inside the post. Then, as the ball travels you travel. If you can anticipate the long cross and clear the danger --> terrific. If you aren't able to win the ball, communicate and shift to apply the appropriate pressure.