When Opponents Have The Ball

Watch your man
Look behind you for sneaky runners (don’t just watch the ball!)

Talk to each other
Tell each other about any danger (e.g. “Look behind you”) and offer to ‘cover each other’

Shield our keeper
Force opponents to go wide before trying to tackle “Close ranks” , “tuck in” , “get compact” all mean the same thing. Don’t let opponents run between us or down the middle of the pitch. If they are running wide, even if they get past they will hit a dead end.

Stand tall
Stay on your feet When someone runs at you keep two steps away. You can run backwards or sideways. Only tackle when you are certain of winning the ball.

Everyone must keep opponents under pressure until they crack and give us back our ball !!!