Top Tips For Defending The Long Ball

When working with your team on defending against the long ball you need to create match-style situations that challenge the players and test them when they are trying to defend or win the ball from the opposition's long passes that go through or over their defensive line.

The first thing is to get defenders spotting the triggers when an opponent is going to play the pass. When the opponent's head is down or when they make the first touch out of their feet now is the time to drop and react to the pass.

Once the pass is made defenders should not let the ball bounce, instead attack the ball in the air with either a clearing volley or by using their head to nod the ball away.

The defenders first touch is key to clearing the danger – the ball should be played away to the wings or to supporting midfielders or defensive team mates.

Sometimes the defenders will react too slowly to the triggers so their first contact is not a good one and the ball does not go where they want it. Clearing the ball into danger areas causes problems because the ball will be attacked and often played straight back into the goalmouth.

Scanning is key and often players fail to spot where the danger is and where the ball should be played to clear the danger.

Top Tips for defending against long ball teams

1. Control the midfield: One effective way to defend against long balls is to control the midfield. This means that your midfield players need to be alert and positioned to intercept long balls before they reach your defense. This can also help your team to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.
2. Stay compact: To defend against long balls, your team needs to stay compact and close together. This helps to limit the amount of space your opponents have to play long balls into. It also helps your defenders to communicate more effectively and work together to clear the ball away from danger.
3. Anticipate the long ball: Successful defending against long balls requires anticipating where the ball is going to go. Your defenders need to be able to read the game and position themselves correctly to intercept or clear long balls away. This also means being aware of the positioning of the opposing team's forwards and midfielders, as they will likely be the ones playing the long balls.
4. Be aggressive: Defending against long balls requires an aggressive approach. Your defenders need to be confident and assertive when going for the ball. This means challenging the opposing team's forwards and putting pressure on them to make mistakes. It also means being prepared to take risks and make tackles when necessary.
5. Play a high line: Playing a high defensive line can be an effective way to defend against long balls. This means pushing your defenders up the field to close down space and make it more difficult for your opponents to play long balls. However, it's important to make sure your defenders are quick and mobile enough to deal with any counterattacks.

Remember, successful defending against long balls requires a team effort. Communication and teamwork are essential, and every player needs to be focused and committed to the task at hand.